Effectiveness of air cleaner on mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 disease in a dental clinic environment

  • G. Yang
  • , Y. Wang
  • , S. C. Fu
  • , K. C. Chan
  • , K. W. Mui
  • , T. F. Flemmig
  • , P. J. Thomson
  • , T. S.T. Ng
  • , Christopher Y.H. Chao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in dental hospitals due to the large amounts of bioaerosol production during dental procedures is a serious concern in the dentistry community. This paper examines how to effectively deploy air cleaners to reduce the infection risk in a dental clinic. The dispersion of bioaerosol is studied through numerical simulations, and risk assessment is performed by a dose response method. It is found that patients downstream of the background ventilation have a higher infection risk than patients adjacent to the infected patient. When the air cleaner is turned on, although large amount of bioaerosol is removed, leading to a reduced infection risk in general, however, the risk increases in some cases, depending on the location of air cleaner. The situation is similar regardless of a higher CADR. This work can provide useful guidelines for dental hospitals to prevent the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHealthy Buildings 2023
Subtitle of host publicationAsia and Pacific Rim
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
ISBN (Electronic)9781713890850
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventHealthy Buildings 2023: Asia and Pacific Rim - Tianjin East, China
Duration: 17 Jul 202319 Jul 2023

Publication series

NameHealthy Buildings 2023: Asia and Pacific Rim

Conference

ConferenceHealthy Buildings 2023: Asia and Pacific Rim
Country/TerritoryChina
CityTianjin East
Period17/07/2319/07/23

Keywords

  • CFD simulation
  • Infection risk
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • air cleaner location
  • dental hospital

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