The large majority of COVID-19 transmissions occur from inhaling airborne particles indoors, according to Shelly Miller in The Conversation. First prize would be keeping people away from the virus. Masks are the most effective countermeasure. Some home cleaners help control COVID-19 viruses that inevitably escape into the air.
How Some Home Cleaners Could Help Control COVID-19
We have two options now we know a virus can escape into a building. In the first instance, we could introduce fresh air to dilute it. While in the second, we could trap the virus in a filter as an also-ran. Ideally we would need at least nine air exchanges per hour. A suitable air-conditioning system could achieve both, although many homeowners could not afford the expense.
The answer might be to have well-ventilated rooms, with windows flung wide open to admit loads of fresh air. However, climate often makes this impractical, in which case we could consider an air cleaner / purifier Shelly Miller advises. She is Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder and agrees home cleaners could help control COVID-19 infections.
EPA Advisory: Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce airborne contaminants including viruses. They consider them helpful, especially when the temperature outside is unpleasant or outdoor air pollution is high.
However, this is only part of the COVID-19 plan. Shelly Miller agrees the filter must also be a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) one that removes over 99.97% of all particle sizes.
But EPA concludes we cannot rely entirely on air purifiers if we want our homes to be safe places. Home cleaners help control COVID-19, but we should also continue wearing face coverings, distancing, and sanitizing regularly. Ongoing spikes in United States and Europe show the COVID-19 virus is by no means beaten yet.
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Preview Image: Example of HEPA Air Filter
