Led by Dr Allen Haddrell of the School of Chemistry's Bristol Aerosols Research Centre, the research shows how CO2 is a major factor in prolonging the life of SARS-CoV-2 variants present in tiny droplets circulating in the atmosphere.

It clearly showed keeping CO2 levels in check helps to reduce virus survival, and therefore the risk of infection.

 

The researchers made these discoveries using unique bioaerosol technology they developed, called CELEBS – Controlled Electrodynamic Levitation and Extraction of Bioaerosols onto a Substrate, which allows the survival of different SARS-CoV-2 variants to be measured in laboratory generated airborne particles that mimic exhaled aerosol.

“We knew SARS-CoV-2, like other viruses, spreads through the air we breathe," said Dr Haddrell. "But this study represents a huge breakthrough in our understanding of exactly how and why that happens, and crucially, what can be done to stop it.  

“It shows that opening a window may be more powerful than originally thought, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated rooms, as fresh air will have a lower concentration of CO2, causing the virus to become inactivated much faster.

“But it also highlights the importance of our global net zero goals because the research indicates even slightly raised levels of CO2, which are increasing in the atmosphere with the onset of climate change, can significantly improve the rate of virus survival and the risk of it spreading.”

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