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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Airborne transmission: a new paradigm with major implications for infection control and public health
Anna Stevenson1, Joshua Freeman2, Mark Jermy3
1Public Health Physician, Te Mana Ora, Community and Public Health, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha, Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Recognition of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses is a paradigm shift in the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) field, contributed to by New Zealand's experience in Managed Isolation Quarantine Facilities (MIQF). Slowness to embrace this shift by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international bodies highlights the importance of applying the precautionary principle and subjecting established theories to the same level of critical scrutiny as those challenging the status quo. Improving indoor air quality to reduce infection risk and provide other health benefits is a new frontier, requiring much additional work at both grassroots and policy levels. Existing technologies such as masks, air cleaners and opening windows can improve air quality of many environments now. To achieve sustained, comprehensive improvements in air quality that provide meaningful protection, we also need additional actions that do not rely on individual human's behaviour.
Insights
Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 requires a paradigm shift in infection control. Improving indoor air quality through existing technologies and policy changes is crucial for sustained protection against respiratory viruses.
Area of Science:
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses represents a significant paradigm shift in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).
- New Zealand's experience in Managed Isolation Quarantine Facilities (MIQF) has contributed valuable insights into managing airborne pathogens.
- Hesitancy from international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) to fully embrace airborne transmission highlights the need for critical evaluation of established theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the paradigm shift in IPC due to airborne transmission recognition.
- To advocate for the application of the precautionary principle in public health.
- To highlight the need for improved indoor air quality for infection risk reduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of New Zealand's MIQF experience.
- Analysis of the response of international health organizations to airborne transmission.
- Assessment of current technologies for improving indoor air quality.
Main Results:
- Recognition of airborne transmission necessitates a change in IPC strategies.
- Existing technologies (masks, air cleaners, ventilation) offer partial solutions.
- Sustained improvements require systemic changes beyond individual behavior.
Conclusions:
- A paradigm shift towards acknowledging airborne transmission is essential for effective IPC.
- Improving indoor air quality is a critical, yet underdeveloped, frontier in public health.
- Policy-level interventions and systemic changes are necessary for comprehensive air quality improvements and meaningful protection against respiratory infections.
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