Size- and Time-Dependent Aerosol Removal from a Protective Box during Simulated Intubation and Extubation Procedures

Abstract

Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily spreads through droplets and aerosols, a protective box could provide adequate protection by shielding medical professionals during the intubation and extubation procedures from generated droplets and aerosols. In this study, size- and time-dependent aerosol concentrations were measured inside and outside the protective box in the particle size ranging from 14 nm to 20 μm during simulated intubation and extubation procedures. An improved protective box with active ventilation was designed based on a plastic bag with armholes covered with latex sheets that utilizes a supportive frame. Coughing during the intubation and extubation procedure was simulated using an aerosol generator which dispersed the aerosol powder into the protective box. During the intubation and extubation procedure, the concentration of particles increased inside the protective box but, due to the high negative airflow, quickly dropped to background levels. The particle concentration of all measured particle sizes decreased within the same time frame. No leakage of particles was observed through the armhole openings. The presented protective box design provides excellent protection against generated droplets and aerosols. The decrease in concentration does not depend on the particle size. Outside the box, particle concentration did not change with time.

Single-Layer and Double-Layer Filtration Materials Based on Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Co-hexafluoropropylene Nanofibers Coated on Melamine Microfibers

“…Inhalation of aerosols containing air pollutants such as heavy metals, , nanoparticles, and particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ) can lead to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, a higher risk of lung cancer, neurological and psychiatric problems, higher mortality rates, reproductive and developmental problems, and a generally shorter life expectancy. , Highly infectious diseases that spread via respiratory droplets and aerosols can cause severe respiratory infections, leading to a pandemic such as Covid-19. In the case of airborne diseases, air filters, masks, and barriers have proven effective in dramatically slowing down the spread of droplets and aerosols. , They should also be effective in dry conditions when the size of respiratory droplets decreases and the smallest droplets become nanoscopic. Such small droplets remain in the atmosphere for a long time and contribute to aerosol-transmitted infections .…”

“…In the case of airborne diseases, air filters, masks, and barriers have proven effective in dramatically slowing down the spread of droplets and aerosols. 8 , 9 They should also be effective in dry conditions when the size of respiratory droplets decreases and the smallest droplets become nanoscopic. Such small droplets remain in the atmosphere for a long time and contribute to aerosol-transmitted infections.…”

Enhanced Filtration Efficiency of Natural Materials with the Addition of Electrospun Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Fibres

“…To protect oneself against the airborne infections and pollutants, respiratory protection can be used. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was mitigated with the use of various personal protection equipment (PPE), such as masks, facepiece respirators, and barriers, to reduce and even stop the transmission of aerosols and droplets between individuals [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The need for PPE yielded a high mask production, and improvised solutions of different levels of protection were proposed [ 11 , 13 , 14 ].…”