1
|
Xiao S, Luo Y, Zhao F, Dou Z, Cao B, Yu H, Zhang N. Respiratory infectious disease transmission of dental healthcare workers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 492:138140. [PMID: 40209411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/12/2025]
Abstract
Respiratory pathogens significantly impact public health, with transmission primarily occurring during close contact. Dental healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly at high risk due to long-term mouth opening of patients, and frequent close proximity between HCWs and patients. This study systematically analyzed close contact patterns in 200 dental procedures in mainland China's specialized dental settings, developing a mechanistic model to quantify exposure doses and infection risks for HCWs treating patients with respiratory infections. Findings revealed that the infection risks among dentists are 5.0-fold that among assistants, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures. Infection risks for assistants were significantly impacted by patient age, especially in cases involving patients under 14 years, while disease type influenced risks for both dentists and assistants, with higher risks in prosthodontics and orthodontics. The assessments of protective measures for HCWs showed that combining N95 respirators with face shields provided over 95 % protection, while N95 respirators alone conferred over 89 % protection, suitable for high-risk settings. Face shields with surgical masks offered over 75 % protection, providing a cost-effective alternative in resource-limited environments. These results emphasize the importance of tailoring protective strategies to specific risk factors, offering valuable guidance for infection control practices in specialist-based dental healthcare systems. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: This study addresses the environmental challenge of respiratory pathogen transmission in specialist-based dental healthcare systems. Through mechanistic modeling based on real close-contact behaviors from 200 dental procedures, dentists face 5.0-fold higher infection risks than assistants, with prosthodontics and orthodontics presenting high risks. The findings emphasize the necessity of targeted protective measures, recommending N95 respirators with face shields for optimal protection and surgical masks with face shields as cost-effective alternatives. By tailoring infection control strategies to specific risks, this study offers practical insights to enhance occupational safety and mitigate pathogen transmission in specialist-based dental environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Yingjie Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen 518054, PR China
| | - Fangli Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Zhiyang Dou
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, 511458, Hong Kong
| | - Bing Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Han Yu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kumar P, Hama S, Cheung HYW, Hadjichristodoulou C, Mouchtouri VA, Anagnostopoulos L, Kourentis L, Wang Z, Galea ER, Ewer J, Grandison A, Jia F, Siilin N. Airborne pathogen monitoring and dispersion modelling on passenger ships: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 980:179571. [PMID: 40318375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2025] [Revised: 04/08/2025] [Accepted: 04/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a profound inability of pre-pandemic passenger ship policies implemented by both ship operators and governmental authorities to detect and address newly emerging diseases. The essentiality of maritime transport puts into focus the risk of approach to address known and new emerging airborne infectious diseases that, due to increasing capacity, are likely to occur on passenger ships. In order to enhance the passenger experience, prepare shipping for pandemics like COVID-19, and improve the resilience and safety of the industry, this review critically synthesises existing literature on (1) monitoring ventilation conditions and aerosol dispersion, linking them to airborne transmission risk using airborne aerosols and ventilation performance as input parameters for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and (2) modelling airborne disease transmission risk in controlled passenger ship environments. This review analysed 39 studies on aerosol monitoring, thermal comfort, and infection risk modelling on passenger ships (2000-2023). Additionally, 55 papers on CFD modelling of airborne pathogen dispersion were reviewed: 22 included validation, with most focused on built environments and only four specifically addressing ship environments. Two major challenges relate to the complexity and poorly characterised ventilation boundary conditions on passenger ships, and the other is the lack of suitable validation data. For this reason, ship experimental studies are required for CFD model validation. Only a handful of studies were found that have measured aerosol concentrations on board passenger ships. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies conducted on aerosol mass or airborne transmission sampling on board passenger ships or other types of vessels. The results of this review have the potential to create synergistic connections between experimental and modelling studies to inform, characterise and improve the development of numerical models that can accurately estimate infection risk on ships for prevention, mitigation and management of outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), School of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | - Sarkawt Hama
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), School of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Ho Yin Wickson Cheung
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), School of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Varvara A Mouchtouri
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41222, Greece
| | - Lemonia Anagnostopoulos
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41222, Greece
| | - Leonidas Kourentis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41222, Greece
| | - Zhaozhi Wang
- Fire Safety Engineering Group, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Greenwich SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin R Galea
- Fire Safety Engineering Group, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Greenwich SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - John Ewer
- Fire Safety Engineering Group, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Greenwich SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - Angus Grandison
- Fire Safety Engineering Group, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Greenwich SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - Fuchen Jia
- Fire Safety Engineering Group, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Greenwich SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
| | - Niko Siilin
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, 02150 Espoo, Finland; Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, 00076 Espoo, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu S, Wang Y, Xiao Y, Guo W, Li Y, Lu Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Fu L, Feng B, Liu L. Impact of occupancy density and source location on inhalational exposure of infectious respiratory particles in a naturally ventilated fever clinic. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2025; 276:112839. [DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.112839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2025]
|
4
|
Yao G, Liu Z, Liu H, Jiang C, Li Y, Liu J, He J. Air disinfection performance of upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UR-UVGI) system in a multi-compartment dental clinic. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135383. [PMID: 39094316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Multi-compartment dental clinics present significant airborne cross-infection risks. Upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UR-UVGI) system have shown promise in preventing airborne pathogens, but its available application data are insufficient in multi-compartment dental clinics. Therefore, the UR-UVGI system's performance in a multi-compartment dental clinic was comprehensively evaluated in this study. The accuracy of the turbulence and drift flux models was verified by experimental data from ultrasonic scaling. The effects of the ventilation rate, irradiation zone volume, and irradiation flux on UR-UVGI performance were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics coupled with a UV inactivation model. Different patient numbers were considered. The results showed that UR-UVGI significantly reduced virus concentrations and outperformed increased ventilation rates alone. At a ventilation rate of six air changes per hour (ACH), UR-UVGI with an irradiation zone volume of 20% and irradiation flux of 5 μW/cm2 achieved a 70.44% average virus reduction in the whole room (WR), outperforming the impact of doubling the ventilation rate from 6 to 12 ACH without UR-UVGI. The highest disinfection efficiency of UR-UVGI decreased for WRs with more patients. The compartment treating patients exhibited significantly lower disinfection efficiency than others. Moreover, optimal UR-UVGI performance occurs at lower ventilation rates, achieving over 80% virus disinfection in WR. Additionally, exceeding an irradiation zone volume of 20% or an irradiation flux of 5 μW/cm2 notably reduces the improvement rates of UR-UVGI performance. These findings provide a scientific reference for strategically applying UR-UVGI in multi-compartment dental clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangpeng Yao
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, PR China
| | - Zhijian Liu
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, PR China.
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, PR China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, PR China
| | - Yabin Li
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Junzhou He
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wei X, Ma X, Tian F, Wei Z, Zhang L, Hu K. Sampling and analysis methods of air-borne microorganisms in hospital air: a review. Biotechniques 2024; 76:395-404. [PMID: 39263851 DOI: 10.1080/07366205.2024.2372939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic microorganisms can spread in the air as bioaerosols. When the human body is exposed to different bioaerosols, various infectious diseases may occur. As indoor diagnosis and treatment environments, hospitals are relatively closed and have a large flow rate of people. This indoor environment contains complex aerosol components; therefore, effective sampling and detection of microbial elements are essential in airborne pathogen monitoring. This article reviews the sampling and detection of different kinds of microorganisms in bioaerosols from indoor diagnostic and therapeutic settings, with a particular focus on microbial activity. This provides deeper insights into bioaerosols in diagnostic and therapeutic settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Wei
- Institute of Health Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection & Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuezheng Ma
- Institute of Health Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection & Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Xinjiang International Travel Health Care Center (Urumqi Customs Port Clinic), China
| | - Zhaohui Wei
- Institute of Health Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection & Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Institute of Health Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection & Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Kongxin Hu
- Institute of Health Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection & Quarantine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu Z, Ding M, Hu C, Rong R, Lin C, Yao G, Shao X, Jin G. Susceptibility and exposure risk to airborne aerosols in intra-urban microclimate: Evidence from subway system of mega-cities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170514. [PMID: 38296074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The health of intra-urban population in modern megacities relies largely on the biosafety within the microclimate of subway system, which can be vulnerable to epidemical challenges brought by virus-laden bioaerosols under varying factors. The literature has yet to address the association between the exposure risks to infectious pathogens and the dynamic changes of boundary conditions in this densely populated microclimate. This study aims at characterizing the bioaerosol dispersion, evaluating the exposure risks under various train arrival scenarios and hazard releasing positions in a real-world double-decker subway station. The results provide the evidence for the dominating airflow pattern, bioaerosols dispersion behaviors, exposure risk, and evacuation guidance in a representative microclimate of mega-cities. The tunnel effects of nearby pedestrian passageways are found to be dominating the airflow pattern, leading to the discharging of airborne bioaerosols. At least 60 % increasing of discharging rate of bioaerosol is attributed to the arrival of one or two trains at the subway platform compared with the scenario with no train arriving. Results from risk assessment with improved Wells-Riley model estimate 57.62 % of maximum infectivity probability with no train arriving. Large areas near the source at the platform floor still cannot be considered safe within 20 min. For the other two scenarios where trains arrive at the platform, the maximum probability of infection is below 5 %. Moreover, the majority of train carriages can be regarded as safe zones, as the ventilation across the screen door are mostly directed towards the platform. Additionally, releasing the bioaerosols at the platform floor poses the most severe threats to human health, and the corresponding evacuation strategies are suggested. These findings offer practical guidance for the design of the intra-urban microclimate, reinforcing the need for exposure reduction device or contingency plans, and providing potential evacuation strategy towards improved health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Liu
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Mingtao Ding
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Chenxing Hu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Rui Rong
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Chaofan Lin
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Guangpeng Yao
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Xuqiang Shao
- Department of Computer Science, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei, 071003, PR China
| | - Guangya Jin
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
He J, Li J, Chen B, Yang W, Yu X, Zhang F, Li Y, Shu H, Zhu X. Study of aerosol dispersion and control in dental practice. Clin Oral Investig 2024; 28:120. [PMID: 38280059 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the dispersion patterns of aerosols and droplets in dental clinics and developed a suction device to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing aerosols during dental procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the continuous images of oral aerosols and droplets were photographed with a high-speed camera, and the trajectories of these particles were recognized and processed by Image J to determine key parameters affecting particle dispersion: diffusion velocity, distance, and angle. Secondly, based on the parameter data, the flow field of aerosol particles around the oral cavity was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the flow field under adsorption conditions was simulated to demonstrate the aerodynamic characteristics and capture efficiencies of the single-channel and three-channel adsorption ports at different pressures. Finally, according to the simulated data, a three-channel suction device was developed, and the capture efficiency of the device was tested by the fluorescein tracer method. RESULTS The dispersion experimental data showed that aerosol particles' maximum diffusion velocity, distance, and angle were 6.2 m/s, 0.55 m, and 130°, respectively. The simulated aerosol flow-field distribution was consistent with the aerosol dispersion patterns. The adsorption simulation results showed that the outlet flow rate of single-channel adsorption was 184.5 L/s at - 350 Pa, and the aerosol capture efficiency could reach 79.4%. At - 350 Pa and - 150 Pa, the outlet flow rate of three-channel adsorption was 228.9 L/s, and the capture efficiency was 99.23%. The adsorption experimental data showed that the capture efficiency of three-channel suction device was 97.71%. CONCLUSIONS A three-channel suction device was designed by simulations and experiments, which can capture most aerosols in the dental clinic and prevent them from spreading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Using three-channel suction devices during oral treatment effectively reduces the spread of oral aerosols, which is essential to prevent the spread of epidemics and ensure the health and safety of patients and dental staff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie He
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiachun Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Bo Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Guiyang Stomatological Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yugang Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Haiyin Shu
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiankun Zhu
- Guiyang Stomatological Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Watanabe J, Iwamatsu-Kobayashi Y, Kikuchi K, Kajita T, Morishima H, Yamauchi K, Yashiro W, Nishimura H, Kanetaka H, Egusa H. Visualization of droplets and aerosols in simulated dental treatments to clarify the effectiveness of oral suction devices. J Prosthodont Res 2024; 68:85-91. [PMID: 36823102 DOI: 10.2186/jpr.jpr_d_23_00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The hazards of aerosols generated during dental treatments are poorly understood. This study aimed to establish visualization methods, discover conditions for droplets/aerosols generated in simulating dental treatments and identify the conditions for effective suction methods. METHODS The spreading area was evaluated via image analysis of the droplets/aerosols generated by a dental air turbine on a mannequin using a light emitting diode (LED) light source and high-speed camera. The effects of different bur types and treatment sites, reduction effect of intra-oral suction (IOS) and extra-oral suction (EOS) devices, and effect of EOS installation conditions were evaluated. RESULTS Regarding the bur types, a bud-shaped bur on the air turbine generated the most droplets/aerosols compared with round-shaped, round end-tapered, or needle-tapered burs. Regarding the treatment site, the area of droplets/aerosols produced by an air turbine from the palatal plane of the anterior maxillary teeth was significantly higher. The generated droplet/aerosol area was reduced by 92.1% by using IOS alone and 97.8% by combining IOS and EOS. EOS most effectively aspirated droplets/aerosols when placed close (10 cm) to the mouth in the vertical direction (0°). CONCLUSIONS The droplets/aerosols generated by an air turbine could be visualized using an LED light and a high-speed camera in simulating dental treatments. The bur shape and position of the dental air turbine considerably influenced droplet/aerosol diffusion. The combined use of IOS and EOS at a proper position (close and perpendicular to the mouth) facilitated effective diffusion prevention to protect the dental-care environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Watanabe
- Division of Dental Safety and System Management, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| | - Yoko Iwamatsu-Kobayashi
- Division of Dental Safety and System Management, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai
- Liaison Centre for Innovative Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| | - Kenji Kikuchi
- Biological Flow Studies Laboratory, Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai
| | - Tomonari Kajita
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgical Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| | - Hiromitsu Morishima
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| | - Kensuke Yamauchi
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| | - Wataru Yashiro
- Next-Generation Detection System Smart Lab, International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart (SRIS), Tohoku University, Sendai
- Frontier Quantum-beam Metrology Laboratory, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), Tohoku University, Sendai
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Nishimura
- Virus Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Sendai Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Sendai
| | - Hiroyasu Kanetaka
- Liaison Centre for Innovative Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| | - Hiroshi Egusa
- Division of Dental Safety and System Management, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
- Liaison Centre for Innovative Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Z, Li H, Chu J, Huang Z, Xiao X, Wang Y, He J. The impact of high background particle concentration on the spatiotemporal distribution of Serratia marcescens bioaerosol. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131863. [PMID: 37354722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission is a well-established mode of dissemination for infectious diseases, particularly in closed environments. However, previous research has often overlooked the potential impact of background particle concentration on bioaerosol characteristics. We compared the spatial and temporal distributions of bioaerosols under two levels of background particle concentration: heavily polluted (150-250 μg/m3) and excellent (0-35 μg/m3) in a typical ward. Serratia marcescens bioaerosol was adopted as a bioaerosol tracer, and the bioaerosol concentrations were quantified using six-stage Andersen cascade impactors. The results showed a significant reduction (over at least 62.9%) in bioaerosol concentration under heavily polluted levels compared to excellent levels at all sampling points. The temporal analysis also revealed that the decay rate of bioaerosols was higher (at least 0.654 min-1) under heavily polluted levels compared to excellent levels. These findings suggest that background particles can facilitate bioaerosol removal, contradicting the assumption made in previous research that background particle has no effect on bioaerosol characteristics. Furthermore, we observed differences in the size distribution of bioaerosols between the two levels of background particle concentration. The average bioaerosols size under heavily polluted levels was found to be higher than that under excellent levels, and the average particle size under heavily polluted levels gradually increased with time. In conclusion, these results highlight the importance of considering background particle concentration in future research on bioaerosol characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Liu
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
| | - Haochuan Li
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
| | - Jiaqi Chu
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
| | - Zhenzhe Huang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
| | - Yongxin Wang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
| | - Junzhou He
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China.
| |
Collapse
|