Ventilation systems and air purifiers are used in hospitals to limit the spread of viruses. But depending on their positioning, they can worsen particle circulation.
- In hospitals, ventilation is used to limit the spread of viruses.
- However, it can speed up their circulation, depending on the air flow in the establishment.
- The positioning of ventilations must be reflected to limit the risks.
This is part of the recommendations in the event of a viral epidemic: ventilate the parts to prevent the circulation of viruses. In hospitals, ventilation systems are used to improve air quality and reduce the spread of viral particles. But according to a study by the University College of London, published in Aerosol Science & Technologythe increased use of ventilation and air purifiers in hospitals could have the contrary effects: depending on the positioning of these devices, this could cause greater circulation of viruses.
Ventilation can increase the circulation of viral particles in a hospital
In these works, the researchers have studied the effect of using integrated mechanical ventilation and portable air purifiers (CAP) on the spread of particles suspended in the air, similar to those expired by a person Achievement of viral respiratory infection such as SARS-COV-2 or flu. Using an aerosol generator and a particle meter, scientists have studied different situations, also taking into account the closing of the doors. “”If the use of integrated ventilation and CAP can reduce the spread of particles in certain scenarios, in certain experiments, the use of CAP has increased the spread of aerosols up to 29 % between neighboring parts “they conclude. According to their analysis, integrated ventilation multiplied by more than 5 migration of aerosols, compared to the lack of ventilation. The team observed that there are complex interactions between the different air currents, the ventilation, the closure of the doors and the movement of the people.
Understand how air circulates to limit the diffusion of viruses
“The installation of air purifiers in the rooms led in some cases an unexpected increase in the circulation of aerosols, but it took months to understand what we observe, Note Laurence Lovat, main author of the study. Each scenario has produced different and unexpected results, depending on the spaces and sources of air flow. Even at the UCL hospital, a modern establishment built less than 20 years ago, the air flow patterns were not predictable. In older hospitals, which often have natural air currents, the situation would probably be even more complex. “For this specialist and its co-authors, the use of air circulation devices in hospitals requires taking into account the dynamics of the air flow and reflecting on the placement of devices to reduce the risk of aggravation the circulation of viruses.
Future simulations of air flows in a hospital to reduce the circulation of viruses
“”The good news is that we quickly broaden our knowledge on this phenomenonindicates Andrea Ducci, co-author of this research. The project on which we are currently working aims to simulate the entire flow of air within a hospital and to assess the efficiency of different devices positioned in different places. This will allow us to identify relatively simple interventions, such as better positioning of ventilation devices to reduce the propagation of particles, thereby reducing the risk of contracting in hospital.“Scientists are currently working on an artificial intelligence system to help them conduct these tests. They hope to be able to launch their work in less than two years.
