Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.12.022
Title: Dismantling myths on the airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Tang, JW
Bahnfleth, WP
Bluyssen, PM
Buonanno, G
Jimenez, JL
Kurnitski, J
Li, Y
Miller, S
Sekhar, C 
Morawska, L
Marr, LC
Melikov, AK
Nazaroff, WW
Nielsen, PV
Tellier, R
Wargocki, P 
Dancer, SJ
Keywords: Aerosol
Air
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Transmission
Virus
Adult
Aerosols
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Air Microbiology
COVID-19
Female
Humans
Infection Control
Male
Middle Aged
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Ventilation
Issue Date: 1-Apr-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Citation: Tang, JW, Bahnfleth, WP, Bluyssen, PM, Buonanno, G, Jimenez, JL, Kurnitski, J, Li, Y, Miller, S, Sekhar, C, Morawska, L, Marr, LC, Melikov, AK, Nazaroff, WW, Nielsen, PV, Tellier, R, Wargocki, P, Dancer, SJ (2021-04-01). Dismantling myths on the airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Journal of Hospital Infection 110 : 89-96. ScholarBank@NUS Repository. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.12.022
Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused untold disruption throughout the world. Understanding the mechanisms for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is key to preventing further spread, but there is confusion over the meaning of ‘airborne’ whenever transmission is discussed. Scientific ambivalence originates from evidence published many years ago which has generated mythological beliefs that obscure current thinking. This article collates and explores some of the most commonly held dogmas on airborne transmission in order to stimulate revision of the science in the light of current evidence. Six ‘myths’ are presented, explained and ultimately refuted on the basis of recently published papers and expert opinion from previous work related to similar viruses. There is little doubt that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via a range of airborne particle sizes subject to all the usual ventilation parameters and human behaviour. Experts from specialties encompassing aerosol studies, ventilation, engineering, physics, virology and clinical medicine have joined together to produce this review to consolidate the evidence for airborne transmission mechanisms, and offer justification for modern strategies for prevention and control of COVID-19 in health care and the community.
Source Title: Journal of Hospital Infection
URI: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/200478
ISSN: 01956701
15322939
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.12.022
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