Biotalde joins Aqualab (water consultancy and analysis) and the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital to analyse the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection on surfaces and air in non-sanitary spaces. After a year of study, it has finally been possible to publish an article under the title “Bajo riesgo de contagio ambiental por SARS-CoV-2 en espacios” (Low risk of environmental contagion by SARS-CoV-2 in non-sanitary spaces) which concludes that although the risk is not non-existent, it is very low, almost zero.
To carry out this study, samples were collected both from the air in highly frequented areas (23) and from high, medium and low contact surfaces (394) over a period of one year. Some of the samples were collected from sites where there had previously been positive cases. After RT-qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 genetic material, the virus was not detected in any of the samples tested.
Like other human coronaviruses, since the beginning of the pandemic, the route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been described as person-to-person contact, respiratory droplets, aerosols and contact with contaminated surfaces. In addition, the virus can survive on surfaces for several days.
While in the case of healthcare settings, genetic material of the virus has been found in beds, toilets and even corridors where sick people have been, environmental contamination in these cases remains low.
Although the study has its limitations, the evidence of low environmental contamination if the measures are respected (safety distance, masks, limited seating, etc.) continues to grow.
About Biotalde
As a consultancy company with more than 30 years experience, Biotalde is dedicated to preventive healthcare by developing risk management programmes and/or by carrying out analytical controls and diagnosing critical biological aspects involved in products and processes that may be subject to compliance, improvements and/or proposals for advanced technological solutions.
The company studies processes, materials-products (food, water, surfaces, environments, medical devices, cosmetics, textiles, etc.), treatments (disinfection, sterilisation, aseptic filling, etc.) and environmental conditions (CAI, EU-GMP, etc.) to design the actions needed to ensure that biological factors and components behave without risk to health or in accordance with the established specifications.
