The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of adequate ventilation in reducing airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, particularly in specialized school settings for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A recent study, "Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)," provides compelling data on the impact of classroom ventilation on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in such environments.
This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or by encouraging them to conduct further studies. Here are the key findings and recommendations from the study:
Key Findings
- Correlation Between CO2 Levels and SARS-CoV-2 Cases: The study found a statistically significant correlation between the time that a room had CO2 levels ≥ 1,000 ppm and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2. This accounted for 43% of the variance in cases.
- Impact of MERV-13 Filters: Rooms with ventilation systems using MERV-13 filters had lower SARS-CoV-2-positive PCR counts, indicating the effectiveness of high-efficiency air filtration.
- Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): No significant correlation was found between room ACH and per-room SARS-CoV-2 cases. However, rooms with ACH values below the recommended levels (≥4.0) were common, highlighting the need for improved ventilation.
Recommendations for Practitioners
- Monitor CO2 Levels: Regularly measure CO2 levels in classrooms to ensure they remain below 1,000 ppm. This can serve as a practical surrogate for adequate ventilation.
- Upgrade Filtration Systems: Consider installing MERV-13 filters in HVAC systems to reduce airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Note that older HVAC systems may require upgrades to accommodate these filters.
- Assess ACH Values: Evaluate and improve the ACH in classrooms to meet or exceed the recommended levels. This may involve upgrading HVAC systems or implementing additional ventilation measures.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings from this study provide a strong foundation for further research in specialized school settings. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to explore additional ventilation strategies and their impact on reducing the transmission of airborne pathogens. Continuous data collection and analysis will be crucial in developing evidence-based guidelines for improving indoor air quality in schools.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
