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 | Aug 9, 2019
Cities modify density zoning to spur more affordable housing projects
Solutions include eliminating single-family zoning and allowing taller apartments in higher-density zones.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2019
More designers focusing on acoustic properties of buildings
Recognition that structures should be acoustically satisfying.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2019
Illinois law makes all single-occupancy restrooms gender-neutral
All must comply by January 1.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2019
New technology, aligning training with local trends among keys to workforce development
Construction industry must also invest in training, recruiting high school students.
Codes and Standards | Aug 1, 2019
Planners, city official rethink parking requirements on new projects
Reducing number of parking spots frees up land for ‘more purposeful’ uses.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2019
USGBC-LA chooses first ‘Net Zero Accelerator’ technologies
Wide range of solutions address numerous environmental challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2019
Solar brokerage will provide financing for small/medium businesses
First to fund solar for smaller-scale commercial operations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2019
ASCE group unveils structural safety database
Confidential reporting on structural failures, near misses, and other incidents.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2019
Floating landscape infrastructure wins top ASCE innovation prize
Climate resiliency a key theme of entrants.
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2019
New York making slow progress on resiliency seven years after Hurricane Sandy
Property owners face many challenges; coastal defense project plans are complex and need more time to plan.