Test aerosols

Prof. Dr. Susanne Bailer, Universität Stuttgart

Prof. Dr. Achim Dittler, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

Prof. Dr. Gunnar Grün, Universität Stuttgart

Prof. Dr. Thomas Iftner, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen

Prof. Dr. Jennifer Niessner, Hochschule Heilbronn

Prof. Dr. Michael Schindler, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen

Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Stergiaropoulos, Universität Stuttgart

Prof. Dr. Zöllner, Hochschule Heilbronn

In order to master the possible risk of infection via highly pathogenic aerosol-borne viral pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, influenza etc.), air purification and inactivation technologies are hotly debated and more and more promising devices are coming onto the market. In the absence of established test and evaluation procedures, however, no statements can currently be made about the effectiveness and comparability of such devices for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and other aerosol-borne pathogens, so that an evidence-based assessment is not possible.

This lack of procedures begins with the selection of suitable test aerosols depending on the technology to be tested, their application, characterization and sampling, the selection and comparability of surrogate viruses with regard to the original pathogen and extends to the definition of suitable test arrangements and procedures to the necessary ones accompanying investigations, such as the proof of by-products or the sound power.

1. Definition of test aerosols, their application, characterization, and sampling
2. Proof of effectiveness of methods for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols by determining the infectivity in cell culture
3. Proof and limitation of the admissibility of the conclusion by analogy of particles and corona surrogate viruses compared to realistic aerosols with SARS-CoV-2 exposure
4. Determination of the parameters of the devices and rooms influencing the proof of effectiveness
5. Definition of test procedures and accompanying evidence

Thermal dummies with PM1 particle sensors (left) and simulation of aerosol particle transport with an infected dummy and an air purifier (right). Simulatin: Adrian Tobisch, HHN.