Print Email Facebook Twitter COVID-19 Title COVID-19: Research Directions for Non-Clinical Aerosol-Generating Facilities in the Built Environment Author Law, Roger C. K. (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) Lai, Joseph H.K. (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) Edwards, David John (Birmingham City University) Hou, H. (TU Delft Real Estate Management) Date 2021 Abstract Physical contact and respiratory droplet transmission have been widely regarded as the main routes of COVID-19 infection. However, mounting evidence has unveiled the risk of aerosol transmission of the virus. Whereas caution has been taken to avoid this risk in association with clinical facilities, facilities such as spa pools and Jacuzzis, which are characterized by bubble-aerosol generation, high bather loads, and limited turnover rates, may promote aerosol transmission. Focusing on these non-clinical facilities in the built environment, a review study was undertaken. First, the typical water disinfection and ventilation-aided operations for the facilities were illustrated. Second, cross comparisons were made between the applicable standards and guidelines of the World Health Organization and countries including Australia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The similarities and differences in their water quality specifications, ventilation requirements, and air quality enhancement measures were identified; there were no specific regulations for preventing aerosol transmission at those aerosol-generating facilities. Third, a qualitative review of research publications revealed the emergence of studies on potential air-borne transmission of COVID-19, but research on built facilities posing high risks of aerosol transmission remains scant. This study’s results inform key directions for future research on abating aerosol transmission of COVID-19: the development of bespoke personal protective equipment and engineering and management controls on water quality, ventilation, and air quality. Subject AerosolAir qualityCOVID-19SARS-CoV-2VentilationWater quality To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6ef70028-7bf0-42bb-a329-3ac753995fb2 DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11070282 ISSN 2075-5309 Source Buildings, 11 (7) Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2021 Roger C. K. Law, Joseph H.K. Lai, David John Edwards, H. Hou Files PDF buildings_11_00282.pdf 755.28 KB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:6ef70028-7bf0-42bb-a329-3ac753995fb2/datastream/OBJ/view