Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily transmitted through virus-laden fluid particles ejected from the mouth of infected people. Face covers can mitigate the risk of virus transmission but their outward effectiveness is not fully ascertained. Objective: by using a background oriented schlieren technique, we aim to investigate the air flow ejected by a person while quietly and heavily breathing, while coughing, and with different face covers. Results: we found that all face covers without an outlet valve reduce the front flow through by at least 63% and perhaps as high as 86% if the unfiltered cough jet distance was resolved to the anticipated maximum distance of 2-3 m. However, surgical and handmade masks, and face shields, generate significant leakage jets that may present major hazards. Conclusions: the effectiveness of the masks should mostly be considered based on the generation of secondary jets rather than on the ability to mitigate the front throughflow.
Authors: Ignazio Maria Viola, Brian Peterson, Gabriele Pisetta, Geethanjali Pavar, Hibbah Akhtar, Filippo Menoloascina, Enzo Mangano, Katherine E. Dunn, Roman Gabl, Alex Nila, Emanuela Molinari, Cathal Cummins, Gerard Thompson, Tsz-Yan Milly Lo, Fiona C. Denison, Paul Digard, Omair Malik, Mark J. G. Dunn, Catherine M. McDougall, Felicity V. Mehendale
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,750
Funders: Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, Hospital for Sick Children, Higher Education Commision, Pakistan, Directorate for Biological Sciences, Medical Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, H2020 European Research Council, FP7 Ideas: European Research Council
Awards: Energy transfer Processes at gas/wall Interfaces under extreme Conditions, A Small Research Facility for Multi-phase Flows at High Pressure and Temperature, In-situ Chemical Measurement and Imaging Diagnostics for Energy Process Engineering, G2815880842, Paediatric Brain Monitoring with Information Technology (KidsBrainIT): Using Information Technology (IT) Innovations to Improve Childhood brain trauma, Pathogen diversity, host specificity and virulence, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind and Marine Energy Systems, G705603232
OpenAlex ID: W3027360693