Distribution characteristics of respiratory aerosols in enclosed environments

N. P. Gao, Jianlei Niu, L. Morawska

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Dispersion characteristics of respiratory droplets in indoor environments arc important in controlling transmission of airborne diseases indoors. This study investigates the spatial concentration distribution and temporal evolution of exhaled and sneezed/coughed droplets within the range of 1.0~10.0μm in an office room with three air distribution methods, specifically mixing ventilation (MV), displacement ventilation (DV), and under-floor air distribution (UFAD). The simulation results indicate that exhaled droplets with diameters up to lO.Oiim from normal respiration process are uniformly distributed in MV. However, they become trapped in the breathing height by thermal stratifications in DV and UFAD, resulting in a high droplet concentration and an increased exposure risk to other occupants. Sneezed/coughed droplets are more slowly diluted in DV/UFAD than in MV. Low air speed in the breathing zone in DV/UFAD can lead to prolonged human exposure to droplets in the breathing zone.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 1st International Postgraduate Conference on Infrastructure and Environment, IPCIE 2009
Pages53-61
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2009
Event1st International Postgraduate Conference on Infrastructure and Environment, IPCIE 2009 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: 5 Jun 20096 Jun 2009

Conference

Conference1st International Postgraduate Conference on Infrastructure and Environment, IPCIE 2009
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period5/06/096/06/09

Keywords

  • Airborne disease
  • Displacement ventilation
  • Respiratory droplets
  • Transmission
  • UFAD

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Environmental Science(all)

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