Simple changes to airflow direction can cut infections by up to 90% indoors Study finds

A newly developed airflow system could significantly curb the indoor spread of airborne diseases, as researchers examine an air-cleaning device designed to remove pathogens from the air. The technology may offer a powerful new way to limit the transmission of respiratory illnesses in enclosed environments.

During the winter months, when people spend more time indoors, concerns about the quality of the air they breathe increase. This is particularly relevant during cold and flu season, when respiratory infections tend to spread more easily in confined spaces.

At the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, study co-author Dr. Sunny Li, a professor in the School of Engineering, explains that the most common strategy for reducing indoor disease transmission has traditionally focused on improving building ventilation systems to better control airflow across large areas, as noted in an article by SciTechDaily.

Some existing approaches attempt to enhance protection by directing clean air toward individuals from a fixed point, similar to the overhead vents on passenger airplanes. However, Dr. Li notes that this method comes with clear limitations. Users often have to remain in a fixed position, or everyone nearby must rely on the same configuration. Continuous airflow can also create discomfort, including dry skin and irritated eyes.

“Ensuring high air quality while indoors is crucial for mitigating the transmission of airborne disease, particularly in shared environments,” says Dr. Li. “Many Canadians spend nearly 90 percent of their time inside, making indoor air quality a critical factor for health and well-being.”

Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Mojtaba Zabihi, the study’s first author, emphasizes that indoor spaces vary widely in layout and ventilation design, making upgrades to existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems difficult in many cases. This challenge highlights the potential benefits of more personalized ventilation solutions.

“We wanted to develop an innovative system that prevents occupants from inhaling contaminated air while allowing them to use a personalized ventilation system comfortably for extended periods,” he says.

Looking at airflow from new angle

Working with UBC’s Airborne Disease Transmission Research Cluster, the mechanical engineering team developed what it calls an induction-removal, or jet-sink, airflow approach. The concept centers on capturing exhaled aerosols before they have time to disperse throughout a room.

Results recently published in Building and Environment showed a notable improvement. The new device reduced the risk of infection to 9.5%. By comparison, the risk reached 47.6 percent with a typical personal setup, 38 percent with a personal ventilation system using an exhaust design, and 91 percent under standard room ventilation.

Dr. Brinkerhoff adds that the findings demonstrate how airflow engineering—not just filtration—can play a significant role in improving indoor air quality and protecting occupants. The research team now plans to refine the design for use in larger spaces and to test physical prototypes in clinical and public settings.

By Nazrin Sadigova