COVID-19 Ventilation Assessments

IEC provides COVID-19 safety services, including training, ventilation system evaluations, and environmental testing.

TRANSMISSION

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is primarily transmitted by large droplets of respiratory emissions which are inhaled or impacted within the eyes. Maintaining a 6 feet or more distance from others and wearing a face-covering are both effective in minimizing this transmission of droplets by asymptomatic individuals.

The secondary route of transmission is via the suspension of aerosols (microdroplets) which can remain airborne for varying lengths of time. Transmission by fomites (contact) is not thought to be a significant route of exposure but cleaning and disinfecting high contact surfaces and frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds are all viewed as best practices.

MITIGATION

Airborne transmission can be minimized by proper ventilation to dilute and expel indoor air with fresh air and filter infectious aerosols from the space. IEC will evaluate occupancy pattern and onsite ventilation systems to maximize its effectiveness as a means of mitigating viral transfer among occupants.

TESTING

IEC can perform environmental sampling for the SAR-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus using surface or air sampling techniques. Surface samples can be collected and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific to the genetic material of the virus which causes COVID-19. This will indicate if an infected person was present in a space. IEC is also certified to perform advanced veriDART™ (air) sampling, which mimics the mobility of viral particles and traces movement quantitatively from various locations in a building.