Question reference: S5W-33791
- Asked by: David Stewart, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 4 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 22 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-32623 by Jeane Freeman on 9 November 2020, when the Short Life Working Group set up by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) to consider the evidence surrounding the efficacy of “air cleaning” devices will next meet.
Answer
The work of the Short Life Working Group has been completed and the final paper 'Potential application of air cleaning devices and personal decontamination to manage transmission of COVID-19 - 4 November 2020' was presented to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) last month, It is available on the UK Government's website:
NHS Scotland were represented on this group and though there are no plans for the SLWG to meeting again, we will continue to monitor this situation, but we note that the Executive Summary reports:
Application of air cleaning devices may be a useful strategy to reduce airborne transmission risks in poorly ventilated spaces (medium confidence). Air cleaning devices have limited benefit in spaces that are already adequately ventilated, and are not necessary for adequately ventilated buildings unless there are identified specific risks (medium confidence).
Air cleaning devices are not a substitute for ventilation, and should never be used as a reason to reduce ventilation; all occupied spaces must have some background ventilation to be suitable for human habitation and to comply with building and workplace regulations. Ventilation should be assessed, and if possible improved, first before considering whether there is a need to use an air cleaner (high confidence).