Brief report
Use of carbon dioxide measurements to assess ventilation in an acute care hospital

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2021.11.017Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Poorly ventilated indoor spaces pose a risk for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

  • Carbon dioxide measurements can be used to assess the adequacy of ventilation.

  • We measured carbon dioxide levels in multiple areas in a hospital.

  • Overcrowded conference rooms and offices had elevated carbon dioxide levels.

  • Carbon dioxide monitoring may identify settings with increased transmission risk.

Abstract

Poorly ventilated indoor spaces pose a risk for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We measured carbon dioxide levels in a multiple areas in an acute care hospital to assess the adequacy of ventilation. Carbon dioxide levels remained below 800 parts per million in most areas but exceeded this level in a small conference room with 8 occupants, an office with 3 occupants, and a bathroom with 2 occupants. Measuring carbon dioxide levels could provide a simple means for healthcare facilities to assess the adequacy of ventilation.

Key words

COVID-19
Aerosol
Transmission

Cited by (0)

Funding/support: This work was supported by a Merit Review grant (CX001848) from the Department of Veterans Affairs to C.J.D.

Conflict of interest: C.J.D has received research grants from Clorox, Pfizer, and PDI. All other authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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