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Carbon Dioxide Levels as a Key Indicator for Managing SARS-CoV-2 Airborne Transmission Risks Across 10 Indoor
Narumichi Iwamura1, Kanako Tsutsumi1, Takafumi Hamashoji1
1Department of Nephrology, Japanese Red Cross Yamaguchi Hospital, Yamaguchi, JPN.
Cureus
|November 27, 2024
Summary
Airborne transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 indoors is linked to carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Higher CO2 concentrations correlate with increased transmission probability, with masks and ventilation significantly reducing risk in various settings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Background:
- The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emerged in December 2019, spreading globally.
- Airborne transmission via aerosols and droplets is a primary mode of SARS-CoV-2 spread in indoor environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the airborne transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 across diverse indoor scenarios.
- To assess the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on transmission probability and basic reproduction number (R0).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the modified Wells-Riley model to estimate airborne transmission probability and R0.
- Analyzed 10 hypothetical indoor scenarios, correlating CO2 concentrations with transmission risk.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of mask-wearing and ventilation in mitigating transmission risk.
Main Results:
- A positive linear relationship was observed between airborne transmission risk and indoor CO2 levels across all scenarios.
- Without masks, high transmission rates (>95%) were noted in homes, business meetings, and hospital rooms at 1,000 ppm CO2.
- Mask use and improved ventilation demonstrated significant reductions in airborne infection risk, particularly in high-risk settings like hospital rooms and restaurants.
Conclusions:
- Indoor CO2 levels serve as a reliable indicator for predicting SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission risk.
- Transmission risk is highly variable across different indoor environments and is influenced by mask use, ventilation, conversation, and exposure duration.
- Implementing mitigation strategies like mask-wearing and enhancing ventilation is crucial for controlling airborne transmission in shared indoor spaces.
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