Propagation of viral bioaerosols indoors

Here we look into the spread of aerosols indoors that may potentially carry viruses. Many viruses, including the novel SARS-CoV-2, are known to spread via airborne and air-dust pathways. From the literature data and our research on the propagation of fine aerosols, we simulate herein the carryover of viral aerosols in indoor air. We demonstrate that a lot of fine droplets released from an infected person's coughing, sneezing, or talking propagate very fast and for large distances indoors, as well as bend around obstacles, lift up and down over staircases, and so on. This study suggests equations to evaluate the concentration of those droplets, depending on time and distance from the source of infection. Estimates are given for the safe distance to the source of infection, and available methods for neutralizing viral aerosols indoors are considered.

Automated summary

This study examines the spread of viral aerosols indoors, showing how fine droplets released by infected individuals can propagate rapidly and over long distances indoors. Equations are proposed to evaluate the concentration of these droplets near the source of infection, as well as estimates for safe distances and methods for neutralizing viral aerosols indoors.