03/08/22 - School Bus Ventilation in the Context of COVID-19

Recorded on Tuesday, March 8, 2022

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School Bus Ventilation in the Context of COVID-19

About the webinar:

To better understand COVID-19 transmission among school children, a study was performed to investigate air change rates on school buses during simulated operation. This presentation will focus on measured air change rates and air flow patterns in school buses and the impact of interventions such as open windows and ceiling hatches. These results can be used to inform risk management decisions by school administrators and public health professionals to potentially reduce COVID-19 transmission.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this activity, the learner will be able to:

  • Identify measurement techniques for air change rates in a moving vehicle
  • Describe the impact of methods (open windows, defroster, ceiling hatches) to increase air change rates in school buses
  • Recommend data-informed interventions to reduce the potential for airborne disease transmission in school buses

Mike Van Dyke, PhD

Dr. Van Dyke is an industrial hygienist, researcher, public health practitioner, and educator. Currently, he is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and the Center for Work, Health, and Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health. His 20+ years of experience has been spent at the academic, community, clinical, and government levels. A common thread throughout his career has been a focus on the assessment and control of novel exposures and environments. These exposures have included occupational beryllium exposures among nuclear and aerospace workers, diacetyl exposures among flavoring workers, exposures to first responders from clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, illegal marijuana grow operations, and community exposures to oil and gas development.

Mountain & Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC)

About Mountain & Plains ERC:

The Mountain & Plains Education and Research Center is one of 18 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-sponsored Educational and Research Centers (ERCs) located at universities throughout the United States.