Aerosols and Droplets to Exit the Stage of History: WHO Proposes New Term 'IRP' - Infectious Respiratory Particles
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Fon Zhou | Business Development Director at AirQuality Technology
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its latest report, titled 'Global Technical Consultation Report on Proposed Terminology for Airborne Pathogens.' This report introduces a novel term: Infectious Respiratory Particles (IRPs).
IRPs are defined as respiratory particles that are laden with pathogens, thereby possessing the potential to transmit infectious diseases via the aerial route. These particles serve as a medium through which pathogens can be conveyed from the respiratory system of an infected person to that of others. The term IRPs is proposed to supersede the previous nomenclature, including 'aerosols' and 'droplets,' in the context of defining the vectors responsible for airborne transmission of diseases.
What can this term IRPs bring us?
Understanding Transmission: The concept of IRPs is crucial for understanding how respiratory diseases are transmitted through the air. This knowledge is fundamental for developing effective public health strategies to control the spread of infections.
Consistent Terminology: Before the introduction of the term IRPs, there was confusion between the terms "aerosols" and "droplets," which referred to particles of different sizes. IRPs provide a unified term that encompasses the full spectrum of particle sizes, facilitating clearer communication among scientists, healthcare workers, and the public.
Public Health Measures: Recognizing the role of IRPs in disease transmission allows for the implementation of targeted public health measures, such as improved ventilation or air cleaning in indoor spaces, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and social distancing.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): The concept of IRPs informs IPC practices in healthcare settings, guiding the use of appropriate PPE, isolation procedures, and environmental cleaning to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Risk Assessment: IRPs are essential in assessing the risk of airborne transmission in various environments, which can help in designing buildings, public spaces, and workplaces to minimize the risk of infection.
Research and Development: The focus on IRPs can drive further research into the behavior of these particles in the air, their interaction with environmental factors, and their role in the transmission of specific pathogens, leading to new insights and innovations in infection control.
Global Health Response: During pandemics, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, a clear understanding of IRPs helps global health organizations like the WHO to provide evidence-based guidance to countries and communities, which is critical for a coordinated global health response.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: The term IRPs can be used to develop or update legal and regulatory frameworks related to occupational health, public safety, and building codes to reflect the current scientific understanding of airborne transmission.
Education and Awareness: A clear definition of IRPs helps in educating the public about the importance of respiratory hygiene and the measures they can take to protect themselves and others from airborne infections.
Air Purification: The standards and effectiveness of the air purification industry can be further standardized, so that the air purification industry can truly promote human health and well-being.
In summary, the term IRPs is significant because it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding, discussing, and addressing the airborne transmission of infectious diseases, which is vital for public health preparedness and response.
Download the complete report here:
