Effect of aerosol particle size on airborne transmission of infectious disease

The air we breathe can transmit viral infections, especially in indoor environments where we spend most of our time. A building counteracts many of the natural processes that limit the spread of infections outdoors. Nevertheless, knowledge is still very limited about airborne viruses in indoor environments.

The overall goal of this project is to build knowledge to limit indoor airborne transmission of viruses.

Specifically, we want to identify the activities and locations where virus concentrations are highest, and investigate the biological and physical properties of viruses in air. This gives us the information needed to assess the most effective measures to obtain a healthy indoor environment. We study SARS-CoV-2, but also influenza, norovirus and RS virus.

The project consists of both field measurements, where we analyze viruses in indoor air, and laboratory studies to investigate virus viability in aerosols.

During the field measurements, characterize the size distribution, residence time, transport and concentration of the virus aerosol. Lab experiments focus on the survival of virus particles in air. In particular, we measure how survival is affected by particle size. The project is a collaboration between aerosol technology, virology and infectious medicine at Lund University.

Together we have, for almost a decade, developed technology for the analysis of airborne viruses. The results are important in order to be able to design healthy indoor environments.