A critical review of research methodologies for COVID-19 transmission in indoor built environment
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2024
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused massive losses for the global economy. Scholars have used different methods to study the transmission mode and influencing factors of the virus to find effective methods to provide people with a healthy built environment. However, these studies arrived at different or even contradictory conclusions. This review presents the main research methodologies utilized in this field, summarizes the main investigation methods, and critically discusses their related conclusions. Data statistical analysis, sample collection, simulation models, and replication transmission scenarios are the main research methods. The summarized conclusion for prevention from all reviewed papers are: adequate ventilation and proper location of return air vents, proper use of personal protective equipment, as well as the reasonable and strict enforcement of policies are the main methods for reducing the transmission. Recommendations including standardized databases, causation clarification, rigorous experiment design, improved simulation accuracy and verification are provided.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2, indoor built environment, research methods, prevention technologies, indoor transmission
Divisions
mechanical,BuiltEnvironment
Funders
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (20594501D),Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Grant Scheme,The 13th Five-Year National Science and Technology Major Project of China (2017YFC0702202); (51578011),Hebei Province international science and technology cooperation fundamental project at the North China Institute of Science and Technology (RUU2021-KS(01)-UMCares); (2016YFC0801706)
Publication Title
International Journal of Environmental Health Research
Volume
34
Issue
10
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher Location
2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OR14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND