| Keywords |
Airborne infection; Influenza; Short-term exposure; Residential space; Quanta generation |
| Abstract |
This study evaluated the airborne infection risk of influenza virus after 3 hours of exposure in residential space considering different quanta generations, half-life times and fixed ventilation rate of room(0.5 ACH). The concentrations of influenza virus in well-mixed air condition, as input data for airborne infection risks, were calculated by airflow network simulation tool, COMTAMW. The results indicate that under constant ventilation rate of 0.5 ACH, the amount of influenza virus released by normal exhalation(4 quanta/h) and 15 minutes of half-time contribute to limited airborne infection risks of 7.4%. However, if the half-time of influenza virus increses to 1440 minutes (24 hours), infection risk after 3 hours exposures is 23.3%. These results of worst case show that airborne infection risk by the asymptomatic infectious in calm physical state is not safe in slightly ventilated space with 0.5 ACH. Increased quanta generation of influenza virus by cough, sneeze or slight physical activity can result in considerably higher infection risks. Long half-life period of influenza virus also contributes to increased infection risk. Consequently, appropriate solutions should be made to mitigate airborne infection risk of influenza in slightly ventilated residential space. |