Innovative Strategies to Reduce the Transmission of COVID-19 in Senior Living

Jun 2

In addition to following federal guidelines on social distancing, handwashing, and disinfection of surfaces, operators of existing senior living buildings can implement retrofittable measures that are likely to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus. Specifically:

Filter indoor air: Use the highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters available that fit in your filter racks.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI): Shine ultraviolet (UV-C) light on the filter(s) to inactivate viruses.

Here’s what you need to know about both of these measures to determine what might be most effective for your community.

Filter Indoor Air

Filter technology has advanced to fit better filtration into ordinary, existing filter racks, which are typically one-inch (1”) deep. There are 16 MERV values, from 1 to 16, with filter efficiency increasing with the number. For instance, the highest, MERV 13 to 16, are effective at controlling airborne bacteria, including that which is released through sneezing or coughing. These filters are most popular in general surgery suites and commercial/residential buildings with superior HVAC systems. MERV 9 to 12 effectively controls pollutants such humidifier dust, lead dust, and vehicle emissions. MERV 5 to 8 manages mold spores, hair spray, and dust. MERV 1 to 4 is designed to address larger particles such as lint and fibers.

You can use the highest MERV value filter available that fits in your existing filter rack, sealing the edges to prevent unfiltered air from bypassing the filter. Increasingly, these filters are seen as a way to help keep air clean, as well as prevent contaminant and pathogen spread.

Recommended products for consideration include 3M Filtrete 1900 No. UT40-6PK-2E air filter, which achieves MERV 13 in a 1” deep form factor. Pleated media physically and electrostatically captures large particles (household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and dander) and small air borne particles (bacteria, and particles that can carry viruses). These are available in light commercial sizes, including 23.5x23.5x1. Filter life is up to three months.

There are some additional ways you can improve indoor air quality, and many of these are quite simple. For instance, have windows that open, clean with nontoxic chemicals, have some indoor houseplants throughout the building, get rid of mold, air out new furniture, and consider the use of air purifiers, which can effectively reduce harmful particles in the air.

UV Germicidal Irradiation

In addition to filtration strategies, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), which uses short-wavelength UV-C to kill or deactivate microorganisms, is an additional potential protective measure. UVGI can be used to destroy virus particles in HVAC filters and can be installed in the upper part of rooms for high-risk occupancies with potentially vulnerable occupants, such as those residing in senior living buildings.

This technology isn’t new, and the sanitizing effects of UV-C have been demonstrated with other coronaviruses, including the one that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). It currently is being used by many hospitals to sanitize medical devices and protective gear, including N95 masks and stethoscopes.

UVGI use to treat HVAC filters is recommended by Louie Cheng, President of indoor environmental quality consultancy at PureLiving Ltd. He says, “We suggest, where possible, using high-efficiency filters to capture potentially virus-contaminated droplets, then shining UV-C light on the filter to inactivate viruses.Recommended products for consideration include Trane 24V UV ‘AirBRIGHT’ UV2400U5000 duct-mounted UV lamp to deactivate airborne and surface contaminants such as mold bacteria and viruses. This is installed in return air ductwork to irradiate the room side of the return air filter(s).

Of course, UV-C is not without its risks (including possible damage to this skin or eyes) and must be used cautiously. Before jumping on the UVGI bandwagon, do some research and be sure to take all necessary precautions to protect residents and staff alike.

Effort to identify and implement new and cutting-edge ways to filter air, sanitize and clean, and generally prevent contamination and virus spread will be part of the new normal of building design. Pi is working to help our clients embrace this new normal is ways that work best for them.

For More Information

As you explore these issues, here are few select resources:

Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910