Thermal Inactivation of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 with Interior Space Heaters
in Winter
Abstract
The study aims to assess the thermal inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2
in a 30 m 3 test room by an electric heater typically
used to heat interior spaces during winter, particularly in
resource-limited settings. Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 was delivered to the
test room at an ambient temperature of 20 oC and 40%
humidity. Two electric heaters with different power and airflow rates
were operated in the test room to compare their efficiencies in the
inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2. The first and second electric
heaters had power, airflow rates, and outlet temperature of 1.5 kW, 44 m
3/h, 220 oC, and 3 kW, 324 m
3/h, and 150 oC, respectively. A fan
drew the outside air into the heater. Air forced through the heater
tunnel absorbed heat energy by interacting with the stainless steel
electric tube heating elements perpendicularly located to the airflow
direction, increasing outlet air temperature. The first 1.5kW electric
heater was operated in the test room for 80 minutes and inactivated
99.00% of the airborne virus. The second, 3 kW electric heater was
operated in the test room for 75 minutes and inactivated 99.96% of the
airborne virus. The control experiment of each test experiment was
conducted without turning the heaters on under otherwise identical
conditions.