Droplet and Aerosol Suspension Times in Ambient Air in Confined Spaces and Transmission of COVID-19: Influence of Environmental Factors

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, alternatively known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an unfolding pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the entire globe in an unprecedented proportion COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is a subject of intense research The airborne transmission is one prime possibility Breathing and talking are natural processes which generate exhaled particles The exhaled air is an aerosol/droplet composed of naturally produced particulates of varying size The duration over which the aerosols/droplets are suspended in the air is an important factor Long suspended aerosols/droplets are potential source of transmission, particularly in confined spaces We have calculated times of suspension by considering various environmental factors, namely, the ambient temperature and relative humidity in a confined space, in this work Both temperature and relative humidity affect the suspension time of the exhaled aerosols/droplets with varying degree The effects of environmental factors are significant for aerosols, particularly for those with small radii We have discussed the possible implications of our findings in this paper [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Scientific Research is the property of Rajshahi University, Faculty of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder s express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )