United States. The ASHRAE Epidemic Working Group issued an updated statement on airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in buildings.
ASHRAE issued the following statement:
"Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is significant and needs to be controlled. Changes in building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, can reduce air exposure."
It replaces the April 2020 statement that said airborne transmission was "likely enough" to take precautions. At the time, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintained that SARS-CoV2 transmission was by droplet and fomite modes, not by air. Subsequently, both have recognized the risk of indoor airborne transmission.
"This may seem like a small step, but we believe it's important to leave no doubt about our position, given the quiet support for ventilation and filtration as important tools in the effort to stop the pandemic, from some organizations that should be leading more strongly," said William P. Bahnfleth, Ph.D., PE, chair of the ASHRAE Epidemics Working Group.
The ASHRAE Epidemic Working Group has been developing and disseminating guidelines for the control of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 since its formation in March 2020.
"ASHRAE volunteers have played a very important role in assessing the evidence and developing detailed guidance to improve indoor environmental quality," Bahnfleth said. "The public, globally, is benefiting from the volunteer efforts of some of the most expert scientists and engineers in our field and this updated guidance is proof of that."
To view the full airborne transmission statement and other COVID-19 resources, visit ashrae.org/COVID-19. Specific questions about the guidance of the Epidemic Working Group can be emailed to [email protected].
