Science and Research

Quantifying Exhaled Particles in Healthy Humans During Various Respiratory Activities Under Realistic Conditions

Background: Quantitatively collecting and characterizing exhaled aerosols is vital for infection risk assessment, but the entire droplet size spectrum has often been neglected. We analyzed particle number and size distribution of healthy participants in various respiratory activities, considering inter-individual variability, and deployed a simplified far-field model to inform on infection risks. Methods: Participants repeated the same respiratory activities on two visits. Particles were collected using an airtight extraction helmet supplied with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered air. The sampling volume flow was transported to two particle counters covering the small and large particle spectrum. The applied simple mass balance model included respiratory activity, viral load, room size, and air exchange rates. Results: Thirty participants completed the study. The major fraction of the number-based size distribution was <5 

  • Schwarz, K.
  • Struß, N.
  • Banari, L.
  • Hohlfeld, J. M.

Keywords

  • exhaled particles
  • far-field model
  • infection risk
  • particle size distribution
  • respiratory activities
  • virus transmission
Publication details
DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2022.0076
Journal: J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv
Work Type: Original
Location: BREATH
Disease Area: PALI
Partner / Member: ITEM, MHH
Access-Number: 38285475

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