Researchers from IIT-Bombay have noted that infectious aerosols can persist in the air up to 10 times longer in the so-called dead zones in enclosed spaces.

The dead zones include areas above washbasins in washrooms, behind the doors, in the corners, and around the furniture. Slow air circulation in these zones can result in COVID infection transmission, stated the report titled ‘Effects of Recirculation Zones on the Ventilation of a Public Washroom’. The researchers noted that the odds of infection are increased significantly in these dead zones as infectious aerosols linger up to 10 times longer in these spaces, in comparison with other well-ventilated areas in a room. They recommended the use of additional fans or ducts facing the dead zones in order to check the spread of infection. They also noted that keeping a washroom door partially open facing the basin could also help… (ET Healthworld, November 19, 2021)