<
https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/>
"Scientists at the University of Bristol have made a significant breakthrough
in understanding how certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, spread through the
air. The findings reveal that carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels play a critical role
in the lifespan and transmission of airborne viruses.
CO₂ increases virus lifespan
Viruses are known to spread through tiny droplets expelled when we breathe,
sneeze, or cough. These droplets carry viruses from one person to another
through the air. However, recent research explores how the chemical makeup of
droplets influences the lifespan of a virus.
Under normal circumstances, the fluid in these droplets is slightly alkaline.
This alkalinity works against virus survival, deactivating viruses gradually
like a microscopic defense mechanism.
The study introduces a critical variable: CO₂. When CO₂ is present in the air,
it interacts with the moisture in the droplets, acting like a mild acid. This
interaction is crucial because it decreases the natural alkalinity of the
droplets by making them less alkaline.
In environments with high CO₂ levels, like poorly ventilated rooms or crowded
spaces, the acidity in droplets increases. This disrupts their natural
self-cleaning process.
By reducing alkalinity, CO₂ creates more favorable conditions for viruses. This
allows them to stay infectious longer. The extended virus lifespan increases
the chances that more people will be infected."
Via Violet Blue’s
Pandemic Roundup: May 2, 2024
https://www.patreon.com/posts/pandemic-roundup-103412432
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
