As the debate on the safe reopening of schools continues this week, we take a look at the results of a brand-new study from Germany. The team from Goethe University in Frankfurt examined the role of HEPA air filtration in classrooms, as a way to keep students and teachers safe.
Covid-19 travels through the air
It is becoming increasingly clear that the main method of transmission for Covid-19 is airborne. Tiny particles of the virus are aerosolized when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. These aerosolized droplets have the ability to travel significant distances and can remain suspended in the air, even after the infected person has left the room.
The classroom is a high risk environment
A person with Covid-19 is most contagious three days before they show any symptoms. And as many as 1 in 3 people with the virus show no symptoms at all. The risk of these pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infecting others is extremely high. Particularly in a classroom environment, where large groups of people are confined to a small space for long periods of time.
HEPA reduces the number of particles by 90%
For the purposes of the German study, airborne particles were measured in two classrooms, with windows and doors closed. Two HEPA air purifiers were then installed in one of the classrooms. After just 30 minutes, particle levels were reduced by 90% in the classroom with HEPA air purifiers.
Using HEPA in classrooms reduces the risk of infection
To measure the extent to which this reduces the risk of infection from Covid-19, the team also calculated the number of viral particles dispersed into a room when a highly contagious person is present. According to their calculations, using a HEPA air purifier in the same classroom as an infectious person, will reduce the risk of an ‘inhaled dose’ by six.
HEPA air filtration has a major part to play
Covid-19 is still a relatively new virus, there is no doubt we still have much to learn. But the results of this latest study are clear. Using HEPA air filtration in classrooms and other indoor spaces, will help to lower the risk of contracting the virus.
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If you’d like to learn more about our HEPA Air Purifiers and how they can help to keep the air in your school, home and workspace clean and safe, visit our SHOP page today.
