Aerosol Risk Assessment and Optimization of Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory Based on Aerosol Infection Risk Zoning Analysis

Abstract

With the rapid development of the medical, biological, and health industries, the demand for Biosafety Level laboratories continues to increase. Particularly in high-risk pathogen research, Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories serve as primary facilities where personnel face potential threats of aerosol infection. In response to this challenge, this study innovatively integrates the Wells-Riley equation and CFD methods to construct a quantitative assessment model for aerosol infection risk, aiming to assess and determine rational airflow organization and equipment layout schemes for BSL-4 laboratories. This study combines the Wells-Riley equation with CFD methods to establish a zoning chart method for aerosol infection risk. Through an in-depth investigation of aerosol dispersion within BSL-4 laboratories, the impact of different airflow organization patterns on aerosol infection risk is explored. The research findings indicate that employing an upper supply and lower discharge on opposite sides can quickly remove 82.4% of aerosol particles, effectively protecting laboratory personnel from infection compared to other methods. Finally, based on the research outcomes, a new equipment layout scheme is proposed, which can reduce infection risk by 1.4-3.4%. The risk assessment method and airflow organization design provide crucial theoretical support and practical foundations for high-level biosafety laboratories' efficient operation and energy-efficient design.

Keywords: Bioaerosol, Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory, Infection Risk Assessment, Airflow Organization Distribution