Airborne Risk Indoor Assessment
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The Airborne Risk Indoor Assessment tool (the “Tool”) enables users to assess SARS-CoV-2 airborne risk transmission in residential, public and health care settings and inform risk reduction measures. In using the Tool, users acknowledge and accept the Terms of Use as set out below.
Outputs are constrained based on editable parameters: This Tool includes assumptions about pathogen-specific features, pathogen-host interactions and human behaviors. For example, the viral load exhaled by an infected person, biological decay, the dose-response model, and interpersonal distance. All the included values are available through the systematic review results tab. Users can manually input other variables such as time, temperature, and occupancy to increase the output accuracy.
The model is stochastic and includes the uncertainties reported in the data extracted from the systematic review. The end result of the Tool returns the total Probability of Infection, taking into account the uncertainties tied to the parameters.
Limitations: The Tool is not meant to replace a comprehensive risk assessment.
The Tool is subject to inherent limitations and assumptions, which are important to acknowledge for a comprehensive understanding of the Tool’s scope and accuracy.
Complexity of Transmission Dynamics: The aerobiology of infectious particles and the transmission dynamics of viruses in humans are intricate and multifaceted. Various factors, including particle size distribution, environmental conditions, indoor air flows, and virus characteristics, can significantly impact the transmission process.
Variability in Data: The model relies on available scientific data and literature. However, there may be limitations in the quality and quantity of data for some variables, leading to potential biases and uncertainties in the results.
Parameter Values: The accuracy of the model depends on parameter values used for calculations. Despite efforts to extract and update these values, they are subject to ongoing research and may change over time, affecting the model's reliability.
Long-Range Transmission Assumption: The model assumes a well-mixed approach for long-range transmission, which may not fully represent real-world scenarios. Fluid dynamics simulations, while more precise, pose practical challenges in terms of computational capacity and expertise.
Short-Range Transmission: Short-range transmission may be influenced by other factors such as posture and airflow interactions, introducing additional complexity and uncertainty.
Host-Pathogen Interaction: Variables related to host-pathogen interaction, including viral load, dose-response, and host immunity, are influenced by multiple factors, making accurate estimation challenging. The model employs a probabilistic approach and the precautionary principle to address these limitations.
Post-Infection Immunity: The model currently considers only vaccine-induced immunity due to data limitations. Other post-infection immunity is not included for now, potentially leading to an overestimation of risk.
Number of Infectors: The model allows for calculations that consider multiple infectors, and the user must input the number of infected individuals attending an event, which requires an assumption on the part of the user.
Please be aware that this web application's results are presented as total probabilities, and the accuracy depends on the quality of data and statistical distributions. Regular updates may be necessary to account for evolving knowledge and data availability.
The use of this Tool should be accompanied by a critical understanding of these limitations, and it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals and experts for a comprehensive assessment of SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk in specific contexts. This tool should not replace professional medical advice or public health guidelines.
General disclaimer
The Tool and the accompanying published material is being distributed “as is”, without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the Tool and the material lies with the user. In no event shall WHO or CERN be liable for any damages arising from its use. WHO and CERN assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions in the information contained in the Tool or its functioning. WHO and CERN shall not be responsible for the compatibility of the Tool with any hardware or software, or issues related to the intrinsic characteristics of the Internet and connectivity. Access to the Tool may be interrupted or suspended without prior notice, in particular for the purpose of maintenance operations.
This is the 1.4.4-01040403 version of the tool: As more data become available, updated versions will be shared in an effort to regularly develop the tool and improve its functionality and assumptions.