Articles tagged with Aerosols
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.
Researchers found that opening windows increases particle exit by nearly 40% and reduces aerosol transmission between students. Glass droplet screens in front of desks also significantly reduced particle transmission.
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.
A new study has identified autopsy, airway suctioning, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as aerosol-generating procedures that require enhanced personal protective equipment. The research aims to prevent healthcare workers from becoming infected with COVID-19, protecting them from severe disease and maintaining staffing levels during t...
Aerosol particles play a significant role in heat absorption and deflection by the atmosphere. Researchers have now detected the rate at which these tiny particles leave the atmosphere, revealing a much narrower range of lifetimes than previously suggested. This new understanding can improve climate models and air quality forecasting.
Recent studies found that tube insertion generates approximately one thousandth of the aerosol generated by a single cough, and tube removal produces less than 25% of that produced by a voluntary cough. These findings suggest de-escalating protective measures, reducing PPE use and waiting lists.
A group of leading researchers emphasizes the importance of clarifying COVID-19 terminology related to aerosols and droplets. They stress that public health officials should highlight the risk of airborne transmission and recommend improving ventilation and moving activities outdoors. By doing so, they aim to reduce transmission and pr...
Researchers found that iodic acid triggers new aerosol particle formation events, leading to cloud condensation nuclei and potentially altering clouds' radiative properties. The team's findings provide greater insight into biogeochemical processes for cloud formation over the Arctic pack ice.
Research from University of Cambridge suggests widely-used 'mixing ventilation' systems disperse airborne contaminants evenly, potentially increasing exposure to COVID-19. The study highlights the importance of good ventilation and mask-wearing in mitigating transmission.
Researchers found that ordinary conversation creates a conical 'jet-like' airflow that quickly carries tiny droplets from a speaker's mouth across meters of an interior space. This can lead to the transmission of diseases like COVID-19, even in the absence of visible symptoms.
Researchers discovered that nasal administration of physiological salts can effectively eliminate airborne particles from airways, reducing exhaled aerosol particles by up to 99%. The study showed significant reductions in sub-micron aerosol particles, suggesting a potential addition to Covid-19 hygiene protocols.
Researchers found that many household fabrics are effective at blocking droplets, including those released by speaking and sneezing. The study used a medical mask as a benchmark and tested 11 common fabrics, finding that some even outperform medical masks in terms of breathability.
Turbulence plays a crucial role in cloud formation, affecting the number of droplets and their size. Researchers developed a framework to explain how preexisting aerosol particles transition into droplets.
Researchers at Lund University studied the amount of aerosol particles and virus particles emitted by singers during music tests, finding that loud and consonant-rich singing spreads more aerosols. Safe singing practices like social distancing, good ventilation, and face masks can reduce the risk of transmission.
Researchers created an individual biocontainment unit to keep front-line healthcare workers safe during intubation. The device, described in a study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine, trapped over 99.9% of simulated SARS-CoV-2 aerosols and prevented them from escaping into the environment.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission via fecal aerosols in a Guangzhou high-rise apartment building. They found evidence suggesting that toilet flushing by infected patients may have caused the outbreak. The study's findings emphasize the importance of adequate hygiene and ventilation to pre...
The Suomi NPP satellite captured two images of California's wildfires, showing the direction of smoke travel and aerosol layer thickness. The smoke was traveling in two directions, with some heading east to Salt Lake City and others west into the Pacific Ocean.
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research recommends controlling indoor air humidity to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Low humidity can cause virus droplets to dry out faster, allowing them to travel further and be inhaled by healthy people.
A study by the University of Sydney found that lower humidity is associated with higher COVID-19 transmission rates. The researchers estimated a 7-8% increase in cases for every 1% decrease in relative humidity, highlighting the importance of wearing masks in dry conditions.
Flushing public restrooms can spread virus-laden particles, including COVID-19. Researchers found that urinal flushing releases more than 57% of particles into the air, with some reaching thighs within 5.5 seconds.
Researchers develop mathematical model to understand droplet dispersion, finding no linear relation between droplet size and displacement. The study suggests creating an aerosol extractor device to trap small droplets, improving safety during medical procedures.
Researchers estimate aerosol emissions from simulated individuals with asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19. The study aims to provide insight into the potential for airborne transmission of the virus.
A study uses hemispheric contrasts in satellite measurements to constrain possible changes in Earth's albedo since 1850 due to industrial aerosols. The results suggest that climate models underestimate preindustrial aerosol and cloud droplet concentrations.
Research suggests that a genetic variant common in people of East Asian descent may make them more susceptible to adverse responses to e-cigarettes. The study found that mice with this gene had significantly higher heart rates and increased oxidative stress when exposed to e-cigarette aerosols compared to those without the gene. These ...
A team of researchers has developed a simple, disposable device to capture aerosol droplets during esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), a common procedure that exposes staff to COVID-19 risk. The device comprises a mouthpiece with a nonwoven fabric covering the patient's face, providing an additional barrier against airborne transmission.
A new study reveals that aerosol boxes designed to protect healthcare workers during COVID-19 may not be effective and could even increase exposure to airborne particles. The research found that the boxes increased airborne particle contamination by a factor of 5 times or more, posing a significant risk to frontline health workers.
Researchers assessed non-traditional mask materials, finding vacuum cleaner filters reduced infection risk by 83% for a 30-second exposure and 58% for a 20-minute exposure. N99 masks were found to be the most effective option, reducing average risk by 94-99%.
A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that Beijing's air quality did not improve as expected during the COVID-19 lockdown, with secondary aerosol species showing only small changes. The research highlights a challenge for mitigating secondary air pollution in regions with high concentrations of gaseous precursors.
The Suomi NPP satellite analyzed the expansive Saharan dust plume, which extended over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and impacted air quality in North and South America. The aerosol particles have significant effects on human health, weather, and climate, including cooling or warming the earth.
COVID-19 respiratory droplets spread through air, posing risks to health care professionals. Guidelines offer recommendations to reduce transmission, including PPE use and distancing measures.
Researchers used computer simulations to show that flushing toilets can create a cloud of virus-containing aerosol droplets that rise high above the seat and last for over a minute. Closing the lid before flushing or using an automatic lid system could help reduce aerosol spread.
The tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis can survive for a longer period of time when combined with other bacteria in the air. This is because larger aerosol particles from mycobacterial clusters are produced together with components of dead cells, making them more viable in the air.
A Texas A&M University study found that wearing a face mask can prevent person-to-person spread of the virus, with over 66,000 infections prevented in New York City. The researchers also noted that airborne transmission via respiratory aerosols is the dominant route for COVID-19 spread.
Atmospheric scientists at Colorado State University discovered a region of the Southern Ocean with clean air free from aerosols produced by humans, providing a rare example of an environment minimally affected by human activity.
A study found an association between lower humidity and increased COVID-19 cases in Sydney. Lower humidity makes airborne viruses more transmissible due to smaller aerosol size, increasing exposure for others. Further research is needed to determine this relationship's extent and impact on case notification rates.
Asymptomatic individuals can spread SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols, highlighting the importance of mask-wearing and physical distancing. Research estimates that a single minute of loud speaking can generate up to 100,000 virion-containing aerosols, which can remain airborne for hours.
Growing evidence suggests masks can prevent spread of COVID-19 via aerosols. Studies estimate up to 100,000 infectious aerosols can be generated in one minute of loud speaking.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that cloth masks can block droplet and aerosol contamination, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The researchers recommend using multiple layers of cotton cloth for maximum protection.
A recent study assesses fire aerosol impacts on global ecosystem productivity, finding cooling and drying effects on land surfaces. Fire aerosols decreased gross primary productivity in most vegetated areas, with some exceptions like the Amazon region.
A long-term study found that residents' daily activities, such as cooking and heating, significantly impact indoor ultrafine particle concentrations. The study, conducted in German apartments, showed that indoor activities account for most ultrafine particles, with outdoor air pollution playing a lesser role.
A recent study published in Risk Analysis suggests that breathing and talking may contribute to the spread of COVID-19 through the release of aerosol particles. These particles can remain airborne for extended periods, allowing them to travel significant distances and potentially infect others.
Researchers found that combining tightly woven cotton with two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon or natural silk can effectively filter out aerosol particles, similar to N95 masks. The effectiveness of the mask depends on a proper fit, as a 1% gap reduces filtering efficiency by half or more.
Researchers from Universität Bayreuth have developed a novel spraying method, Powder Aerosol Deposition (PAD), which enables the production of dense ceramic films at normal room temperatures. The resulting coatings exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high hardness and chemical resistance.
Eastern China's air pollution has been a major concern, and new research suggests that future aerosol emission reductions could worsen atmospheric diffusion conditions conducive to extreme haze events. The study found that climate effects induced by aerosol reduction play a leading role in the anticyclone change in eastern China.
Research suggests that asymptomatic individuals infected with coronavirus can produce aerosolized particles during normal speech, potentially transmitting the infection. The study highlights the importance of collaboration among aerosol scientists, virologists, and engineers to understand respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that COVID-19 remains detectable for up to three hours in aerosols, up to four hours on copper, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The virus can also be transmitted through casual contact, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene practices.
A recent study found that most ammonia emitted from fertilized paddy fields deposits near the source, rather than entering the atmosphere. This process reduces atmospheric ammonia pollution and is a result of dry deposition.
Researchers at KAUST found that Middle East dust has a positive cooling effect on the land and Red Sea, with the largest radiative cooling effect in the world. This discovery highlights the complex role of dust aerosols in shaping global climate patterns.
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists suggests that aerosol pollution can delay climate change effects, benefiting tropical countries but harming high-latitude developed nations. The cooling effect outweighs its limited economic benefits, with public health concerns taking precedence.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure ultrafine particles in exhaust gas, which are harmful to health. The process provides a better understanding of the formation of secondary aerosols by car exhaust gases and can help reduce vehicle emissions.
NASA scientists used data from Suomi NPP to track Australian bushfire smoke globally, revealing its circumnavigation of the Earth. The satellite's Aerosol Index layer helps identify and track aerosols produced by wildfires, dust storms, and other events.
A team of experts re-examines the original estimate that e-cigarettes are '95% less risky' or '95% less harmful' than combustible cigarettes. They found it outdated, misleading, and invalid, citing changes in e-cigarette devices and liquids that increase potential harms.
A new study by British American Tobacco found that vapour and tobacco heating products emit significantly fewer harmful constituents than cigarette smoke. The study analyzed actual consumer usage, finding reduced exposure to toxicants with lower consumption rates.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured extensive fires burning in New South Wales, Australia, covering approximately 5.3 million acres of land. The resulting smog poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing wildfires.