Question reference: S6W-05822
- Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 20 January 2022
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Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 27 January 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what research it has carried out on the effectiveness of HEPA filters in reducing COVID-19 transmission rates in schools.
Answer
Our guidance for schools is informed by expert advice from bodies including SAGE and the Health and Safety Executive, which indicates that air cleaning/filtration devices, such as HEPA filters, should never be used as a substitute for efforts to improve ventilation. For example, the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on air cleaning/filtration devices states: “ These units are not a substitute for ventilation. You should prioritise any areas identified as poorly ventilated for improvement in other ways before you think about using an air cleaning device.”
The Scottish Government keeps its guidance under regular review in light of the latest expert advice, and will consider any necessary updates as research and evidence evolve.