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Assessment of natural ventilation strategy to decrease the risk of COVID 19 infection at a rural elementary school
Javier M Rey-Hernández1,2,3,4, Yolanda Arroyo-Gómez5,2,4, Julio F San José-Alonso5,2,4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engines, Engineering School, University of Málaga (UMa), 29014 Málaga, Spain.
Heliyon
|August 4, 2023
Summary
This study assessed natural ventilation in a low-budget rural school during COVID-19. Results show good ventilation and thermal comfort, with a low infection risk, ensuring occupant health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Building Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Natural ventilation is crucial for occupant health, especially during pandemics like COVID-19.
- Low-budget schools often face challenges in maintaining adequate ventilation.
- This study focuses on a rural elementary school in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate natural ventilation effectiveness in a low-budget elementary school.
- To assess thermal comfort and infection risk within classrooms.
- To validate a low-cost method for measuring ventilation rates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the CO2 decay method to measure Air Changes per Hour (ACH) in nine classrooms.
- Validated ACH measurements against Harvard guide and Spanish RITE standards.
- Analyzed thermal comfort using EN15251 and infection risk via REHVA guidelines.
Main Results:
- One classroom exhibited poor ventilation (ACH < 3); others met recommended levels.
- Average indoor temperature was ~19°C with stable, compliant relative humidity.
- Estimated infection probability in all classrooms was below 14%.
Conclusions:
- Natural ventilation in low-budget schools can effectively mitigate infection risks like COVID-19.
- The CO2 decay method is a reliable, low-cost approach for assessing ventilation.
- Findings support health protection protocols in resource-limited educational settings.
Keywords:
ACHCovid19Decay CO2 concentration methodLow-cost ventilation strategyNatural ventilationThermal comfortMore Related Videos
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