> We normally talk about dilution ventilation and exhausted enclosures for protection from inhalation hazards. In this situation, however, dilution might just more widely disperse viable virus particles. You mentioned ionization, UV systems and HEPA filtration to control virus particles but all of those options might require significant time and investment.
>
> >Other ideas?
>
Just the familiar ones that Frankie and Robin talked about:
1. Control the source by wearing masks
2. Protect the target by providing distance from the source and limiting exposure times
3. Prevent cross contamination by disinfecting possibly infected surfaces.

These are all below engineering controls in the NIOSH hierarchy, but are manageable in the short and medium term. Redesigning buildings to accommodate the ventilation equipment needed to support the alternative technologies you mentioned is a long term process, particularly for buildings built in the 20th Century with decentralized ventilation systems.

Thanks for a good question.

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859

ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu

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