Recently, passengers using public transport are concerned about the effects of COVID-19 and fine dust. Therefore, from February 2020 to February 2021, we investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected even after disinfection in 55 public transportation places visited by confirmed patients in Seoul. 34 air samples and 702 object surface samples were collected and tested with RT-PCR, one surface sample was positive. In addition, preemptive investigations were conducted in 22 subway trains that passengers were being on board at that time. 1,018 preemptive tests were performed, and all were negative. Although PM-2.5 is dangerous in itself, it can be a potential carrier of viruses. It seemed that a solution was needed as one line continuously exceeded the criteria of PM-2.5. Through this study, it is judged that cluster infection in public transportation can be prevented if efforts to reduce the concentration of fine dust, appropriate disinfection management, and personal disinfection such as wearing a mask in public transportations.

Due to the syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the subway passenger cabin should be continuously sterilized. However, a disinfectant such as chlorine is toxic and can lead to different issues to human health. In this paper, we introduced a novel disinfectant based on natural product (Dendropanax morbifera extract). Via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS), different compounds from Dendropanax morbifera extract showed antivirus potentials. Antimicrobial experiments confirmed that the air-disinfectant containing Dendropanax morbifera can eliminate harmful microorganisms including Gram (-), Gram (+), and yeast within 5 mins. The as-prepared air-disinfectant also showed high antivirus activity against H1N1, HRV, and EV71. Deodorization test also indicates that the as-prepared air-disinfectant can lower the harmful gas such as ammonia and trimethylamine in the atmosphere. To evaluate the potential of air-disinfectant containing Dendropanax morbifera in practical applications, different safety tests including acute oral toxicity, acute skin irritation, and eye irritation were conducted. Results showed that the as-prepared disinfectant did not negatively affect tested animals during these safety investigations.