Effectiveness of Building Systems in Mitigating SARS-CoV-2 and Other Airborne Viruses
Research has shown that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 most often occurs through the air via respiratory droplets sized greater than 5-10 microns in diameter. This transmission occurs when a person comes into close contact within three to six feet of an infected individual who releases respiratory droplets into the air by coughing, sneezing, talking, shouting, singing, laughing, etc. These respiratory droplets can contain the virus and may result in infection if they reach the mouth, nose, or eyes of a susceptible person. The reason why transmission in this manner occurs within close contact situations is that these larger droplets mostly fall out of the air within three to six feet. It is also suspected that direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, for example through kissing, can transmit the virus from person to person.
The second mode of SARS-CoV-2 transmission can occur when respiratory droplets from infected individuals land on and contaminate objects and other surfaces.