Mitigating Indoor Risk of Airborne Infections: the MIRAI project

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM. The risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne diseases is known to be higher in indoor environment, also depending on personal (e.g. individual susceptibility, modality of exposure, viral load) and environmental (e.g. airflow, temperature, humidity) factors. Measurements of CO₂ indoors are often used as a proxy for air quality and recent evidence suggests that its monitoring can be helpful to identify poorly ventilated multi-occupancy spaces like offices and classrooms, thus possibly evaluating the risk of exposure to indoor airborne contaminants, including infectious agents. In addition, the recent availability of portable low-cost sensors has been suggested to be effective in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection and other airborne diseases. METHODS. In this project, we will use low-cost sensors for the evaluation of CO₂ levels using Non-Dispersive InfraRed method. We will assess CO₂ levels in high school and university in Modena, Norther Italy from March 2022 up to end of the year. Information factsheets will be placed along with the sensors with detailed information about the project aim and purpose, guidelines for adequate CO₂ monitoring and alert thresholds (800 and 1400 ppm) indicating the need to increase the ventilation (e.g. opening doors and windows). Calibration and quality control of the low-cost monitors will be also performed to ensure the reliability of the measurements. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. The monitoring campaign has started as planned and the environmental and health data collection is ongoing. Considering the recommendations to prevent SARS-CoV-2 in Italy still indicate to wear masks for both students and personnel as well as the lowering of pandemic spread, no positive cases have been identified within the monitored classrooms. Project results will be presented during the conference. Funded by grant "FAR 2021 Mission Oriented-Linea FOMO". Keywords. SARS-CoV-2; indoor air quality; CO₂ monitoring; low-cost sensors; risk assessment; prevention.