COVID-19 Research
EPA researchers are building on an expansive body of world-class research by applying knowledge to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Read an overview of EPA research efforts related to COVID-19 is below, or learn more about EPA's COVID-19 research efforts, including data and results.
Research on Covid-19 in the Air
Common modes of transmission of Covid-19 include aerosols or respiratory droplets that are produced when a person coughs, sneezes, sings or talks, particularly in indoor environments with limited ventilation. Aerosols are very tiny particles that linger in the air and move with air currents like smoke or dust. Respiratory droplets are larger and fall, landing on surfaces where they can linger hours to days.
To learn more about how the virus moves in the air, researchers modeled viral aerosols in an office environment. The focus of this research was an “open office” such as a cubicle work environment where there is concern about how aerosols from an infected person, though likely asymptomatic, might affect other workers in other locations in an office. This research will first determine potential levels of exposure and then look at practical office modifications that might reduce exposure to the virus.
Researchers are also looking at technologies that are safe to operate in spaces where there will be people, like offices, subways, restaurants, etc, to reduce the amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the air. These technologies include devices and products like UV-C devices, chemical-based devices, and physical removal devices like filters.
Research on COVID-19 on Surfaces
Respiratory droplets, which are larger, and fall quickly, can still be a mode of transmission for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. First, researchers had to develop a way to quickly detect live virus in surface samples because current testing takes a few days to get results, which would be too late to worry about surface contamination. Researchers developed a rapid analytical method so that they could understand potential surface transmission in a short time.
Areas that are frequently touched by many different people can pose a public health risk during the pandemic, so researchers evaluated commercially available antimicrobial products for potential long-lasting effectiveness against the virus. Currently, EPA-registered products with long-lasting effectiveness claims are limited to those that control odor-causing bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces; there are no EPA registered products with public health claims that provide long-lasting (e.g., weeks to months) disinfection. The benefits of having a longer-lasting antimicrobial product are important, especially when cleaning and disinfecting a surface or object cannot be accomplished every time someone new touches it.
In addition, ways to apply disinfectants to many different, large surface areas quickly and effectively were needed to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Researchers evaluated electrostatic sprayers and foggers to rapidly apply disinfectants over large, complex surface areas.
At the request of some of the countries largest transit agencies, EPA researchers also studied whether UV-C could inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus on subways and buses. This results from this research are useful for business owners, school administrators, and others.
Overall, this research will help decision makers determine the best ways to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 from potential surface transmission.
- Learn more about EPA's research related to COVID-19 and surfaces.
- Read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Surface (Fomite) Transmission for Indoor Community Environments.
Determining Community Exposure
With an infectious disease like COVID-19, people may be contagious before they show any symptoms. Some may never show symptoms. To determine the true rate of community infection and to provide information to help public health departments around the country to make the best decisions on directing resources, EPA researchers have developed several ways to monitor exposure.
EPA researchers are analyzing wastewater samples from communities in southwestern Ohio using a molecular approach to look for the genetic marker of SARS-CoV-2. This approach acts as an early warning system to alert public health officials about increasing infection in a community. It can also serve to let the officials know when cases are dropping.
Researchers are also working on a standardized method that could quantify the level of live, or infectious, SARS-CoV-2 detected in raw sewage at wastewater treatment plants.
EPA researchers have also developed a salivary antibody test that is simple, easy-to-collect, low-cost, and noninvasive. Antibody testing helps identify people who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and have developed an immune response, but who might not have ever developed symptoms. This test can help public health officials determine the rate of infection and provide insights on the true impact of the pandemic in communities across the country.
Research on Masks and PPE
Masks and social distancing have been important to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Researchers studied the effectiveness of different kinds of masks and facial coverings to help people decide which kind of masks to buy and wear to protect themselves and others.
Researchers also evaluated methods to disinfect used PPE and evaluated whether any of the disinfection methods causes damage to the PPE or limited its performance in reducing exposure to COVID-19. This information helps frontline workers such as healthcare staff and emergency responders when PPE are in limited supply. Proper cleaning and disinfection for PPE ensures continued protection from exposure to the disease.