The way viruses spread from human to human is being reevaluated by scientists and that may have an impact on future ventilation standards.
At the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak, the prevailing belief was that the virus was spread via droplets that quickly dropped out of the air. As researchers studied the virus, however, they realized that it was likely spread via aerosols—smaller, lighter particles that travel further than six feet and can linger in the air in poorly ventilated spaces.
Colds and flu have been thought to be primarily spread via droplets, as well, as they hold more viruses than aerosols. But studies have found that a smaller amount of influenza virus is needed to infect people when inhaled as aerosols rather than sprayed up the nose as saliva droplets.
If this view is correct, improved ventilation could greatly reduce transmission of colds and flu viruses as well as Covid. For this reason, some believe new minimum ventilation standards in buildings should be enacted especially when one considers some 12,000 to 61,000 people annually succumb to the flu.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2017
Nail-Laminated Timber Design and Construction Guide released
New document focuses on design and construction considerations for horizontal NLT applications.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2017
Car sharing popularity means parking zoning and codes may be promoting overbuilding of garages
Some designers look to modular designs in anticipation of alternate uses.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2017
IAPMO advances toward new 2017 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard
Revised pipe-sizing method for residential applications will be included.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2017
New Colorado law could stimulate stalled condo market
Construction defect law modifications could ease litigation risk and cut insurance rates.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2017
New York City will require construction superintendents on buildings higher than three stories
New laws focus on construction safety.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Industry Groups move toward Unified Green Building Model Code in 2018
The effort involves combining ASHRAE's Standard 189.1 with the International Green Construction Code.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
OSHA suspends electronic injury, illness reporting requirement
The agency is keeping records from being publicly disclosed—for now.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements
New floodplain maps and state code changes loom.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Heated debate over whether Calif.’s prevailing wage requirement stymies affordable housing
There’s disagreement around how much pay regulations add to cost of projects.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2017
Technology is influencing parking requirement codes in new developments
Uber and Lyft make it easier for urban dwellers to live without owning cars.
