Reduction of exposure to simulated respiratory aerosols using ventilation, physical distancing, and universal masking
2021
To limit community spread of SARS-CoV-2, CDC recommends universal masking indoors, maintaining 1.8 m of physical distancing, adequate ventilation, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces. Several studies have examined the independent influence of each control strategy in mitigating transmission in isolation, yet controls are often implemented concomitantly within an indoor environment. To address the influence of physical distancing, universal masking, and ventilation on very fine respiratory droplets and aerosol particle exposure, a simulator that coughed and exhaled aerosols (the source) and a second breathing simulator (the recipient) were placed in an exposure chamber. When controlling for the other two mitigation strategies, universal masking with 3-ply cotton masks reduced exposure to 0.3-3 {micro}m coughed and exhaled aerosol particles by > 77% compared to unmasked tests, whereas physical distancing (0.9 or 1.8 m) significantly changed exposure to cough but not exhaled aerosols. The effectiveness of ventilation depended upon the respiratory activity, i.e., coughing or breathing, as well as the duration of exposure time. Our results demonstrate that a combination of administrative and engineering controls can reduce personal inhalation exposure to potentially infectious very fine respiratory droplets and aerosol particles within an indoor environment. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONSO_LIUniversal masking provided the most effective strategy in reducing inhalational exposure to simulated aerosols. C_LIO_LIPhysical distancing provided limited reductions in exposure to small aerosol particles. C_LIO_LIVentilation promotes air mixing in addition to aerosol removal, thus altering the exposure profile to individuals. C_LIO_LIA combination of mitigation strategies can effectively reduce exposure to potentially infectious aerosols. C_LI
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