Reducing Infection Risk in Public Buildings

The reopening of schools and public buildings has highlighted the urgent need for better ways to monitor the risk of infection by airborne diseases in indoor spaces. Nicholas Clements of the University of Colorado will present a new method, “Using DNA-tagged bioaerosol tracers for estimating the risk of infection of airborne diseases,” that incorporates a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model with the SafeTraces’ veriDART system.

The veriDART system consists of three components: an aerosol generator that simulates the size distribution and emission pattern of coughing or sneezing, an aerosolized liquid solution of DNA-tagged tracer material, and filter samplers placed throughout an indoor space to collect aerosolized DNA-tagged tracer particles.

The researchers say their new dose-based risk assessment methodology will enable “the rapid identification of high-risk areas in dynamic real-life settings,” and “serve as the foundation for ‘ventilation certificates’ for public buildings like schools,” according to Nicholas Clements, postdoctoral research associate at the University of Colorado. He will present “Using DNA-tagged bioaerosol tracers for estimating the risk of infection of airborne diseases” on Dec. 6. at 10:35AM EST and 10:55AM EST.