SARS-CoV-2 detection in hospital indoor environments, NW Iran

• Published in: Atmospheric pollution research 2022-08, Vol.13 (8), p.101511-101511, Article 101511
• Main Authors: Mohammadi, Amir, Soleimani, Ali, Abdolahnejad, Ali, Ahmed, Morshad, Akther, Tanzina, Nemati-Mansour, Sepideh, Raeghi, Saber, Rashedi, Gholam Hossein, Miri, Mohammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19; PCA; PM2.5; Risk assessment; Settled dust
• ISSN: 1309-1042; 1309-1042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2022.101511

This study aimed to investigate the potential contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor settled dust and surfaces of Amir Al-Muminin hospital in Maragheh, Iran. Samples were taken from surfaces and settled dust using a passive approach and particulate matter (PM) using an active approach from different hospital wards. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 15% of settled dust samples (N = 4/26) and 10% of surface samples (3/30). SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in 13.8% and 9.1% of the dust samples collected at a distance of fewer than 1 m and more than 3 m from the patient bed, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was found in 11% of surface samples from low-touch surfaces and 8% from high touch surfaces. The relationship between PM2.5, PM10, humidity, temperature, and positive samples of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated. A positive correlation was observed between relative humidity, PM2.5, and positive SARS-CoV-2 samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested positive correlation between positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, relative humidity, and PM2.5. Risk assessment results indicated that the annual mean infection risk of SARS-CoV-2 for hospital staff with illness and death was 2.6 × 10−2 and 7.7 × 10−4 per person per year. Current findings will help reduce the permanence of viral particles in the COVID 19 tragedy and future similar pandemics e.g., novel influenza viruses. [Display omitted] •The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in air and surface samples.•The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital decreases from patient bed.•The increase in SARS-CoV-2 inside the hospital is positively correlated with relative humidity and PM2.5•The infection risk of SARS-CoV-2 for hospital staff was found higher than the recommended value.