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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Engineering control of airborne disease transmission in animal laboratories
W J Kowalski1, W P Bahnfleth, D D Carey
1Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Abstract:
We here present a review of the problem of controlling airborne disease transmission in animal research facilities, with emphasis on engineering design and air-treatment technologies. Dilution ventilation, pressurization control, source control, and air disinfection and removal systems are reviewed, and analytical studies on the effects of dilution ventilation, filtration, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation are summarized. In addition, we discuss practical problems common to laboratory facilities and present a database of potential airborne pathogens and allergens that can be transmitted between humans and animals. We offer some conclusions regarding the design and selection of available technologies and components and provide cost estimates for various air-cleaning systems.
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