Propagation of viral bioaerosols indoors

Abstract

Here we look into the spread of aerosols indoors that may potentially carry viruses. Many viruses, including the novel SARS-CoV-2, are known to spread via airborne and air-dust pathways. From the literature data and our research on the propagation of fine aerosols, we simulate herein the carryover of viral aerosols in indoor air. We demonstrate that a lot of fine droplets released from an infected person’s coughing, sneezing, or talking propagate very fast and for large distances indoors, as well as bend around obstacles, lift up and down over staircases, and so on. This study suggests equations to evaluate the concentration of those droplets, depending on time and distance from the source of infection. Estimates are given for the safe distance to the source of infection, and available methods for neutralizing viral aerosols indoors are considered.

Computational decision-support tools for urban design to improve resilience against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases: A systematic review

“… Phen. BIM-FM: Infrastructure Facility Management Systems based on BIM Kudryashova et al (2021) Comp. Pred.…”

Modelling airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at a local scale

“…Since pedestrian dynamics are typically modelled in two dimensions, we represent each aerosol cloud by a circle in the horizontal layer. Kudryashova et al [33] support this hypothesis. They divide the spread of aerosols into two phases: primary scatter and formation of a spherical cloud around the source, followed by diffusive propagation of aerosol particles.…”

“…Despite the lack of knowledge, we aim to describe the propagation of aerosol clouds very generally. Kudryashova et al [ 33 ] conclude from experimental studies and mathematical modelling that aerosol particles suspended in still air would cover the area within the distance of one to two metres after 5 to 20 min. Moreover, the concentration reached a uniform distribution in approximately 3 to 5 min.…”

“…The aerosol clouds are characterised by the following parameters: the initial area and the half-life. Inspired by [ 33 ], we assume an initial radius of r = 1.5 m for circular aerosol clouds and, thus, an area of approximately A 0 7.1 m 2 . Hence, we obtain a volume of V 9.4 m 3 and an initial pathogen concentration for each aerosol cloud of about 10 3 pathogen particles per cubic metre.…”

Aerosol concentrations and size distributions during clinical dental procedures

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