“We have found that we can reduce the spread of pathogens by changing the airflow pattern, and we will now investigate the effects of rebuilding and supplementing existing ventilation,” says Alan Kabanshi.
The researchers also plan to develop an improved risk assessment model to estimate the risk of becoming infected, as current models are not sensitive enough.
The Lab can reveal where you can become infected
“Our lab allows us to record the route pathogens take between from the infected person and out into different parts of the building, and when we know disease transmission pathways, we can identify zones where the risk of becoming infected is high.”
This achievement is made possible because of the completely new approach to viewing disease transmission within and between rooms and the new thinking on how the pathogens can be removed that the researchers in Gävle have developed together with Japanese researchers from the universities of Kasuga and Saitama.
“Experiences of the pandemic may lead to future requirements for pandemic-proof buildings, and our project will be able to contribute to the design of such buildings,” Alan Kabanshi says.