Particulate matter (PM2.5) as a potential SARS-CoV-2 carrier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-28-2021
Abstract
The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in the COVID-19 pandemic had raised questions on the route of transmission of this disease. Initial understanding was that transmission originated from respiratory droplets from an infected host to a susceptible host. However, indirect contact transmission of viable virus by fomites and through aerosols has also been suggested. Herein, we report the involvement of fine indoor air particulates with a diameter of <= 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) as the virus's transport agent. PM2.5 was collected over four weeks during 48-h measurement intervals in four separate hospital wards containing different infected clusters in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our results indicated the highest SARS-CoV-2 RNA on PM2.5 in the ward with number of occupants. We suggest a link between the virus-laden PM2.5 and the ward's design. Patients' symptoms and numbers influence the number of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA with PM2.5 in an enclosed environment.
Keywords
Elemental composition, Mass concentration, Trace-elements, Indoor Pm2.5, Air, PM10, Urban
Divisions
GEOLOGY
Funders
UKM Special Fund for COVID-19 [COVID-2020-004],UKM [GUP-2018-135] [GGP-2019-015]
Publication Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
11
Issue
1
Publisher
Nature Research
Publisher Location
HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, BERLIN, 14197, GERMANY