SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission Through Vertical Sanitary Drains in High-Rise Buildings-Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, March 2022

What is already known about this topic? syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via sanitary pipelines in high-rise buildings is possible, however, there is a lack of experimental evidence. What is added by this report? existence of a vertical aerosol transmission pathway from toilet flush-soil stack-floor drains without water seal. This report provided experimental evidence for vertical aerosol transmission of clustered outbreaks on 18 floors of a 33-story residential building. What are the implications for public health practice? prevent the risk of vertical aerosol transmission of infectious disease pathogens in buildings. It is necessary not only to have a U-shaped trap in the drainage pipe, but also to be filled with water regularly.

Automated summary

This study provides experimental evidence for the existence of vertical aerosol transmission pathway through sanitary pipelines in high-rise buildings, highlighting the risk of infectious pathogen transmission in buildings. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent such vertical transmission.