Action Levels for SARS-CoV-2 in Air: Preliminary Approach

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a valuable tool for setting exposure limits for various pathogens.
• Establishing safe exposure levels is crucial for preventing infectious disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop preliminary risk-based exposure criteria for SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2).
• To adapt QMRA methodologies for novel respiratory viruses using existing data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the established dose-response curve of a related betacoronavirus, Coronavirus 229E.
• Applied QMRA principles to extrapolate and derive potential exposure criteria for SARS-CoV-2.
• Focused on respiratory portals of entry for virus transmission.

Main Results:

• Preliminary risk-based exposure criteria for SARS-CoV-2 were developed.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of using surrogate data for QMRA of new pathogens.
• Identified key parameters for future SARS-CoV-2 specific risk assessments.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide a foundational framework for managing SARS-CoV-2 exposure risks.
• This approach can inform public health policies and interventions during outbreaks.
• Further research with direct SARS-CoV-2 data is recommended for refining these criteria.