Modelling the direct virus exposure risk associated with respiratory events

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of accurately modelling the pathogen transmission via droplets and aerosols emitted while speaking, coughing and sneezing. In this work, we present an effective model for assessing the direct contagion risk associated with these pathogen-laden droplets. In particular, using the most recent studies on multi-phase flow physics, we develop an effective yet simple framework capable of predicting the infection risk associated with different respiratory activities in different ambient conditions. We start by describing the math- ematical framework and benchmarking the model predictions against well-assessed literature results. Then, we provide a systematic assessment of the effects of physical distancing and face coverings on the direct infection risk. The present results indicate that the risk of infection is vastly impacted by the ambient conditions and the type of respiratory activity, suggesting the non-existence of a universal safe distance. Meanwhile, wearing face masks provides excellent protection, effectively limiting the transmission of pathogens even at short physical distances, i.e. 1 m.

Dalla Barba, FedericoUniversità Degli Studi di Padova,University of Padua (author)
Roccon, AlessioTechnische Universität Wien,Vienna University of Technology (author)
Sardina, Gaetano,1982Chalmers tekniska högskola,Chalmers University of Technology(Swepub:cth)sardina (author)
Soldati, AlfredoTechnische Universität Wien,Vienna University of Technology (author)
Picano, FrancescoUniversità Degli Studi di Padova,University of Padua (author)
Università Degli Studi di PadovaTechnische Universität Wien (creator_code:org_t)

In:Journal of the Royal Society Interface: The Royal Society19:186, s. 20210819-202108191742-56891742-5662

By the author/editor: Wang, Jietuo; Dalla Barba, Fed ...; Roccon, Alessio; Sardina, Gaetano ...; Soldati, Alfredo; Picano, Francesc ...

About the subject

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY: ENGINEERING AND ...; and Mechanical Engin ...; and Fluid Mechanics ...

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