Abstract
Biomedical tools such as vaccines and antiviral drugs are crucial in fighting the epidemic. However, their development takes time and can only be considered the second defense line. In contrast, engineering measures are more ready and preventive than biomedical tools and should be deployed as the first line of defense. New engineering control methods/equipment are being developed that may change how WHO and national CDCs manage viral aerosols during current and future pandemics. This study analyzes and summarizes the importance and necessity of developing a complete set of “pandemic extinguishers” to effectively stop the spread of the coronavirus and other airborne diseases. From the perspective of control hierarchy, source control is the most effective way to eliminate emissions, followed by pathway control and receptor control. From the user’s perspective, these devices are designed and used separately for infected or healthy people. Control devices should be developed and used based on the wearer’s health status and the dispersion of bioaerosols. Breath-Taking Hoods are designed for infected and asymptomatic people to remove the exhaled breath aerosols and protect the environment. The Breath-Responsive Powered-Air Purifying Respirators are designed to protect healthy people. Indoor air cleaners with adequate clean air delivery rates can reduce health risks in indoor environments. Critical ill patients can use portable medical quarantine hoods when negative isolation wards are unavailable. Walk-in hoods with filtered incoming or outgoing flow for dining or other activities can be used by healthy or infected people, respectively. Aerosol-free toilets are also critical in the overall prevention and control plan. It should be noted that many new products still need to be added to the FDA certification list, and performance testing methods and certification laboratories must also be ready. We need to act quickly before the next virus hits us.
