This graphic attempts to simulate the trajectories of aerosol clouds and respiratory droplets expelled from an infected person to a susceptible host, and the ways that various safeguards affect the amount of viral particles transmitted to the host. 

Aerosol and Droplet Transmission From An Infected Person to a Susceptible Host 

This graphic attempts to simulate the trajectory of droplets and aerosols from an infected person in the event of coughing with different masks. The N95  elastomeric respirators appears to be most effective in mitigating both aerosols and droplets. The surgical mask appears to have moderate success in reducing droplet transmission, but is less effective with limiting aerosol transmission. 

Aerosol and Droplet Transmission From an Infected Person

•  Surgical Masks 

•  Cloth Masks 

•  N95 Respirators 

•  Disposable Particulate Respirators (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3) 

• Elastomeric Respirators 

University of South Florida

Smith College

Studying the generation and mobility of droplets and aerosols are of the utmost importance in order to develop adequate safeguards. The improvement of these safeguards is crucial, especially for healthcare workers who are exposed to viral particles via patients infected with COVID-19. 


Safeguards Against Transmission of Aerosols and Droplets 

- temperature

- humidity

- radiation

- open/closed space

- safeguard present or absent


Factors Affecting Aerosol and Droplet Dispersion

Jayaweera, M., Perera, H., Gunawardana, B., & Manatunge, J. (2020). Transmission of COVID-19 virus by droplets and aerosols: A critical review on the unresolved dichotomy. Environmental Research, 188, 109819. Advance online publication.

doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109819

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7293495/

Transmission of COVID-19 virus by droplets and aerosols: A critical review on the unresolved dichotomy

Different Types of Safeguards

- cabin of airplane

- interior space of car

- dormitory-type space of healthcare or isolation center

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