Research Perspectives
The Well Living Lab issues periodic Research Perspectives to share timely scientific viewpoints with the public, informed by literature and, in many cases, by Well Living Lab studies. At the Well Living Lab, we share only information that is supported by science, and we strictly follow the peer review process for our publications.
We hope these topics are helpful as we all seek ways to mitigate virus transmission in our nation’s schools, senior living facilities, offices, and homes and aim to improve human health and well-being in all indoor environments.
Portable Air Purifiers
To mitigate airborne virus transmission, some researchers have suggested that portable air purification units might offer a solution to minimizing airborne transmission.
In this Research Perspective, we highlight studies that have collected firsthand data on the removal of potentially infectious particles from the air by portable air purification units and offer our perspective on these units as one component of a larger strategy of precautions to protect people from viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 when indoors.
Physical Barriers
To mitigate transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the CDC and others have suggested that physical barriers, such as plexiglass, could pose a solution when physical distancing and/or mask-wearing may not be possible.
In this Research Perspective, we highlight three studies on physical barriers and offer our perspective on using these devices as a mitigation strategy.