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A novel VOC breath tracer method to evaluate indoor respiratory exposures in the near- and far-fields; implications for the spread of respiratory viruses

Health and Fitness

A novel VOC breath tracer method to evaluate indoor respiratory exposures in the near- and far-fields; implications for the spread of respiratory viruses

H. Parhizkar, M. Fretz, et al.

This innovative study by Hooman Parhizkar, Mark Fretz, Aurélie Laguerre, Jason Stenson, Richard L. Corsi, Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg, and Elliott T. Gall uses breath mint's volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to evaluate respiratory exposure indoors. Findings reveal that close-range exposures are significantly higher initially, while longer durations highlight the importance of far-field exposure, providing critical insights into airborne disease transmission.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study introduces a novel method using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from breath mints as tracers to evaluate near- and far-field respiratory exposures indoors. Experiments in a controlled chamber measured VOC concentrations at various distances (0.76 m, 1.52 m, 2.28 m) from a participant consuming breath mints. Near-field concentrations were significantly higher during the first 20 minutes, emphasizing the importance of close-range exposure. However, for longer durations, far-field exposure became increasingly significant. This method improves upon the well-mixed room assumption by considering spatial and temporal mixing, providing valuable insights into airborne disease transmission risk and informing strategies for mitigation.
Publisher
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
Published On
Nov 23, 2022
Authors
Hooman Parhizkar, Mark Fretz, Aurélie Laguerre, Jason Stenson, Richard L. Corsi, Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg, Elliott T. Gall
Tags
volatile organic compounds
breath mints
respiratory exposure
airborne disease
indoor air quality
exposure assessment

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