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2018-19
Ed Nardell, PhD

Ed Nardell, PhD

BME Seminar Series Spring 2019

Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 4-5 pm
Tech L361
Host: Professor Matt Glucksberg

Professor of Environmental Health and Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University

Climate change is increasing TB transmission - and what can be done about it

With temperatures in Indian megacities regularly reaching 40C, use of AC in India is skyrocketing. The same is true is many other warming parts of the world - most of which also have a high risk of TB - an exclusively airborne disease. When AC is turned on, windows must be closed for efficient use, immediately and dramatically increasing the fraction of air that is rebreathed by occupants, with a parallel increase in risk of TB and other airborne infections (influenza, measles). This rapid environmental change is easily demonstrated by measuring ambient CO2 levels in rooms with AC and closed windows compared to outside. Severe outdoor air pollution is another reason that windows are being closed. Similar conditions have long existed in cold climates like Russia and FSU countries, accounting for hyper-transmission of drug resistant TB. What can be done? Selective use of AC is one approach, realizing that heat-related illness should be avoided, especially among the very young, very old, and those with underlying illnesses - essentially all hospitalized patients. When natural ventilation is not possible, 3 other approaches to air disinfection are used: mechanical ventilation, room air cleaners, and upper room germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) fixtures. Of these 3, it will be argued, the only practical and cost-effective approach in very hot and cold climates is upper room GUV. Advances and barriers to safe and effective GUV application will be discussed, including critical sustainability.

Learn more about Professor Ed Nardell and their research.