Articles tagged with Aerosols
A commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that Canada's public health guidance should be updated to address airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include a need for improved ventilation in schools and healthcare settings, as well as revised personal protective equipment recommendations.
A new study from the University of Technology Sydney models how coronavirus aerosols travel through our lungs, revealing that more than 65% of particles reach the deepest region where damage can occur. The research also shows that the right lung is more affected by virus deposition due to its asymmetrical anatomy.
A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks. Professional-use models were found to be most effective at retaining aerosol particles, with fabric masks ranging from 15% to 70% efficiency.
The study used ground and satellite measurements to show that the forest fire aerosol disturbed the free troposphere over Leipzig, Germany, and attenuated sunlight by a third. The Aeolus satellite provided valuable data on aerosols in the atmosphere.
A study analyzing climate simulations reveals that small differences in aerosol forcing can significantly affect simulated temperatures and Arctic sea ice area. The results show that natural and anthropogenic forcing uncertainties can markedly impact simulations of Earth's past and future climate.
A nanofiber filter made from polymer nanothreads captured 99.9% of coronavirus aerosols in an experiment, surpassing the effectiveness of commercial masks and air filters. The production technique, electrospinning, is cost-effective and scalable.
A UCI study shows that human-sourced greenhouse gas and aerosol pollution is lengthening and intensifying droughts globally. Drought hotspots in the Americas, Africa, and Asia have seen significant shifts due to anthropogenic forcing.
Researchers discovered a new efficient pathway for creating natural aerosols and clouds that contribute significantly to temperature increases in the Antarctic region. The study shows that increased concentrations of sulphuric acid and alkylamines are essential for particle formation around the northern Antarctic Peninsula.
A new study from Ohio State University dispels the myth that dental procedures increase COVID-19 infection risk. The study found that watery solution from irrigation tools is the main source of bacteria and viruses in dental aerosols, not saliva.
Researchers found that the major source of microbes in aerosols came from dental irrigant, with saliva contributing minimally. The study's findings suggest that current infection control practices are adequately robust to protect personnel and patients.
A low-cost box fan air cleaner can greatly decrease airborne virus particles in public school classrooms by drawing in contaminated air and filtering out clean air. Placing the air cleaner near an HUV or other ventilation unit is most effective in reducing aerosol spread.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories used advanced computer simulations to study the spread of COVID-19 through droplets in the air. Their findings show that protective measures like masks and social distancing are crucial in reducing transmission. The studies also revealed that even with face coverings, smaller particles can pe...
A new study found that repeat vape aerosol exposure had little impact on lung tissue, unlike combustible cigarette smoke, which caused significant biological responses in lung cell models.
Researchers are analyzing the emergence and spread of infectious aerosols in human breath to understand why some people spread diseases more easily. The team is developing simulation models to predict aerosol distribution and develop medications that can reduce aerosol formation.
Researchers discovered that aerosolized droplets generated by flushing a toilet and urinal in public restrooms pose a significant risk of transmitting COVID-19. The study found that these small droplets can remain suspended for hours, contaminating the air and increasing the risk of infection.
A new assessment published in the Lancet journal finds that SARS-CoV-2 is predominantly transmitted through the air, with silent (asymptomatic) transmission accounting for at least 40% of all cases. The study suggests that public health measures should focus on reducing airborne transmission to protect against COVID-19.
COVID-19 experts argue that close-range inhalation is the primary route of transmission, and that improving indoor ventilation can help reduce aerosol concentrations. Effective masks with high filtration efficiency are also crucial in protecting against inhaled aerosols.
Research highlights human-induced drying trend in Central Asia since 1950s, linked to climate change and air pollution. Enhanced greenhouse gas emissions shift subtropical westerly jet, leading to descending motion and drought.
A recent study published in Mutagenesis found that vaping products exhibit little to no DNA damaging potential, contrary to previous concerns. The study used the ToxTracker suite to compare vape e-liquids and aerosols to combustible cigarette smoke, showing significant harm reduction potential for adult smokers
A UCF study suggests that masks and proper ventilation are key to reducing the airborne spread of COVID-19, potentially allowing more capacity in schools and businesses. The research found that aerosol transmission routes do not require six feet social distancing when masks are mandated.
A new study found that coughing and deep breathing create more than 100-fold greater amounts of aerosols than oxygen therapies, increasing the risk to frontline staff. The research challenges current guidelines, suggesting that healthcare workers wear only surgical masks face a higher risk of infection.
Dust aerosol optical depth negatively affects cloud water in the lower troposphere. This change can alter atmospheric enthalpy surrounding a tropical cyclone, influencing its intensity. Dr. Zhang's study suggests that anomalous enthalpy changes are related to dust AOD conditions in eastern Pacific TCs.
A UC Riverside study analyzed fourth-generation electronic cigarette pod atomizer design features, identifying toxic elements such as nickel, chromium, and iron. The findings suggest that these elements may accumulate in the environment and contribute to chemical pollution, highlighting the need for further research on e-cigarette safety.
A recent study at the Paul Scherrer Institute has revealed that airborne particulate matter can generate additional oxygen radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage lung tissue. The formation of these radicals is triggered by the interaction of iron and organic compounds under typical weather conditions.
A recent study published in Toxicological Research & Application compared the effects of vape aerosol and cigarette smoke on human lung tissue. The research found that exposure to vape aerosol had a minimal impact on gene expression compared to combustible cigarettes.
Researchers found that portable HEPA air purifiers can significantly reduce in-air aerosols and spread of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting optimal placement directly in front of the person or instrument expelling aerosols. A ventilation rate of 288 cubic meters per hour is recommended for each person within the room.
Researchers have developed a new technique called sonolithography, which harnesses the power of sound to create precise patterns on surfaces from aerosol droplets or particles. This method has far-reaching implications for biomedicine, electronics, and other fields, offering improved speed, cost, and precision in non-contact patterning.
Scientists at Colorado State University quantify transmission risk of airborne viruses, considering aerosol dynamics for indoor and outdoor scenarios. They find that distancing indoors may not be enough to limit harmful exposures due to confinement and particle buildup.
Scientists discovered that speaking while infected with COVID-19 can spread the virus to others through aerosol droplets. In a study published in Physics of Fluids, researchers found that face-to-face contact increases the risk of transmission.
Researchers found that sea spray aerosol (SSA) concentrations tend to rise with increasing sea surface temperature (SST), offering a more accurate prediction method. This discovery could lead to improved climate modeling by incorporating SSA's dependence on SST.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of ozone in neutralizing Coronavirus on various surfaces, including aerosols and hard-to-reach locations. The study shows that ozone disinfection can be an inexpensive and readily available solution to combat COVID-19, with a high statistical success rate of above 90%.
Researchers from Goethe University found that aerosol particle formation by iodic acid occurs rapidly in the Arctic atmosphere, potentially leading to increased cloud cover and warming. This discovery has implications for climate models and may help improve predictions for polar regions.
Research evaluated 21 clear-sky detection methods, finding they produce lower accuracy rates when detecting cloudy skies. Higher aerosol loading significantly reduces clear-sky detection accuracy, highlighting the need for improved methods in polluted regions.
Researchers used advanced computational fluid dynamics tools to study the transmission of COVID-19 in a restaurant outbreak. The simulations revealed two potential transmission pathways, including those caused by aerosols rising from beneath tables and reentry aerosols associated with limited air conditioner filtration efficiency.
The Arctic is warming at a rate twice as fast as the rest of the planet due to regional factors such as reduced albedo and aerosol interactions. Research suggests that clouds and aerosols play a crucial role in regulating the climate, and improving weather models could help predict future changes.
A new research project aims to improve air filtering in ambulances by mapping airflow patterns and installing effective filtration units. The project will provide flow maps from the ambulance interior under different driving conditions, enabling the optimised installation of filtration systems.
Researchers found that local emissions significantly contribute to the formation of regional haze and particle growth in Beijing. The study suggests that a reduction of anthropogenic gaseous precursors can suppress particle growth, leading to haze alleviation.
Researchers developed experimental tools to study the effect of microwaves on viral particles, aiming to reduce infectivity. The systems are designed to contain pathogens while minimizing microwave radiation interference.
Researchers found that tiny aerosol particles form out of next to nothingness over the open ocean when sunlight reacts with molecules of trace gases. These newly formed particles then grow to attract water vapor, forming clouds that reflect or absorb sunlight, affecting Earth's temperature.
Climate scientists have long known that human activities increase wildfire risk, but the specific roles and influences were unclear. A new study quantifies competing anthropogenic influences on extreme fire weather risk, revealing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions as a dominant contributor.
China's stringent air pollution control policies have led to a significant decrease in aerosol concentrations, but winter haze events still occur. A recent study found that the controls have resulted in a much stronger increase in surface solar radiation in eastern and central China.
A study published in Nature Communications found that wildfire smoke is more cooling than current models assume. The research team used observations from around the world and compared them to climate model results, revealing a significant difference.
Research reveals that aerosol-generating procedures like fillings and root canal treatment can spray aerosol particles large distances, contaminating areas up to 5 meters away. The study found that dental suction decreases contamination, making it a suitable time to clean surgeries after procedures.
A study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals microplastics are swept up into the atmosphere and carried on the wind to remote parts of the ocean. The findings suggest these minuscule fragments can harm marine environment and affect human health through the food chain.
Researchers use a commercial hand-held particle counter to measure aerosol concentrations, finding results match laboratory-based techniques. This method helps determine infection risks and assesses the impact of ventilation improvements.
A new system provides a practical method for measuring how breath travels when people talk or sing, which could inform the effectiveness of face masks and distancing requirements. The technique uses electronic speckle pattern interferometry to visualize temperature differences between exhaled breath and surrounding air.
Researchers at Imperial College London and King's College London suggest that dentists avoid using drills with air and water mixtures and carefully select drill rotation speeds to reduce aerosol generation. This approach can produce 60 times fewer aerosol droplets, allowing for safer dental procedures and increased patient access
Researchers found that urban landscapes and human-caused aerosols can start storms sooner and pull them towards cities. In Kansas City, urban land and aerosols amplified large hail by 20%, while in Houston, they led to longer-lasting rainfall that developed earlier.
Researchers recommend measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol dispersal, including regular ventilation, humidifiers to maintain relative humidity of 40-60%, and portable air purifiers. The risk is high due to infected & healthy people staying in the same room for long periods.
The Working committee particulate matter recommends concrete countermeasures for indoor areas to reduce COVID-19 transmission. These include window ventilation, exhaust ventilation, air purification systems, and increased N95/FFP2 mask use.
A new study reveals that natural emissions in the Himalayas can form large amounts of aerosol particles, which are then transported to high altitudes and injected into the upper atmosphere. These particles may affect climate by acting as nuclei for cloud condensation.
Research suggests that opening windows can reduce airborne particle exchange between a driver and passenger, lowering the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The best scenario is having all four windows open, but even one or two open windows are better than having them all closed.
A Penn State research team conducted field tests on three commonly used mineral-based aerosol sunscreens, finding trace nanoparticles but at safe levels. The study suggests that the canister design and active ingredients are unlikely to produce vastly different amounts of nanoparticles.
Researchers have created simple and inexpensive ventilators and respiratory apparatuses to treat patients more effectively and prevent disease transmission in hospitals. The devices can be built at home, reducing the risk of infection for medical staff.
Researchers studied aerodynamics of infectious disease and found strategies for lowering risk based on understanding how particles mix with air in confined spaces. They proposed a pandemic-sensitive seating model, guidelines for airflow and aerosol emission control, and an app to gauge transmission risk in various settings.
A new study suggests that reducing aerosol pollution without also cutting carbon dioxide emissions could weaken the ocean's ability to keep the planet cool. This could lead to a shift in the region where most of the ocean is taking up heat, potentially destabilizing the climate.
Future emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols will shift the North Atlantic's role in global ocean heat uptake, making it the main region of OHU by 2100. This is due to projected decline in anthropogenic aerosols, weakening the AMOC and diverging meridional ocean heat transport.
Researchers found that aerosol microdroplets, the tiny particles lingering in the air, contain less virus than larger droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. This reduces the risk of infection in well-ventilated spaces.
A new project aims to create household sprays and coatings that capture COVID-19 aerosol droplets, inactivating the virus. Researchers will use additives to provide long-lasting protection against the virus, with a focus on surface characteristics.
A recent study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious in aerosol particles for up to 3 hours, and that large droplets don't travel far, contrary to initial medical guidelines. Engineers recommend increasing outdoor air supply, using fine particle filters, or short-wavelength UV-C light to deactivate virus particles.