Open a window to reduce the spread of the virus, CDC informs schools of new ventilation recommendations

This is the first time the agency has separately highlighted the role of ventilation in helping or preventing the spread of the virus, which is transmitted by tiny particles called aerosols, as well as larger particles. The CDC had previously mentioned ventilation in its school boards, but now devotes an entire page to the issue.

It’s important to make sure open windows aren’t dangerous, the CDC noted. “Do not open windows or doors if it presents a risk to safety or health (such as falling, exposure to extreme temperatures, or triggering asthma symptoms),” he says.

The same goes for buses.

“Open windows in transport vehicles.” The more windows that can be opened the better, but even cracking windows helps, the CDC said.

Using a mask can prevent the virus from entering the air in the first place, the CDC said on the recently published webpage. But good ventilation is also important.

“Use child-safe fans to increase the efficiency of open windows. Securely mount fans in a window to blow potentially contaminated air and draw in new air through other open windows and doors “, he adds. “Consider organizing activities, classes or lunches outside when circumstances permit.”

The new directives also apply to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. “Adjust HVAC systems to bring in as much outside air as your system safely allows,” he suggests. “Increase the total HVAC system airflow in occupied spaces when possible. Greater airflow promotes air mixing and ensures that recirculated air passes through the filter more frequently.”

Filtration is also important, but filters should not reduce air flow.

Certain air filters can also be helpful, the CDC said.

“Consider portable air purifiers that use high efficiency particulate filters (HEPA) to improve air cleaning where possible, especially in high risk areas such as a nurse’s office. or a sick / isolation room, ”he recommended.

Likewise, properly installed ultraviolet lights – they should be overhead, at ceiling level – can help, the CDC said.

“Consider using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) in schools and non-home child care programs as an additional treatment to inactivate the virus responsible for COVID-19, particularly if options to increase ventilation and filtration are limited Consult a qualified professional to help design and install any UVGI system, “CDC said.

With poor ventilation, viral particles can build up in the air of a classroom, cafeteria, or hallway.

“If you look at all the high profile outbreaks – the same underlying factors – no masks, poor ventilation. It doesn’t matter if it’s spin lessons, ice hockey, camps, classrooms. , choirs or restaurants, (that’s) the same underlying factors, “Joseph Allen, who heads the Healthy Buildings program at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, told CNN earlier this month. .

Ventilation experts urged the CDC to say more about the importance of clean air in schools.

“The current state of ventilation in schools in the United States is woefully inadequate,” said Richard Corsi, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University, at a forum hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at Bloomberg. School of Public Health this week.

But they said schools should avoid falling for gimmicky products that promoters claim to clean or disinfect the air.

What’s most important, experts agreed, is fresh air.