Review of experimental measurements on particle size distribution and airflow behaviors during human respiration
Nan Hu, Yuan Feng, Annika Gram, Runming Yao, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Abstract
In recent years, pandemic outbreaks have raised concerns about the spread of respiratory infections and their impact on public health. Since the pathogen emission during human respiration is recognized as the primary source, characterizing the physical properties of exhaled particles and airflow has become a crucial focus of attention. This article critically reviews experimental studies in exhaled particles and airflow, examines the uncertainty introduced by different measurement methods, analyzes how it is reflected in measurement outcomes, and provides an in-depth understanding of particle size distribution and airflow behaviors of human respiration. The measurement techniques assessment highlights the variability among particle sizing techniques in detection size range, collection efficiency, hydration status of captured particles, and experimental protocols. A combination of sampling-based instruments and laser imaging systems is recommended for particle sizing to cover a wider detection range, with refined setups in thermal conditions, sampling distance, volume, and duration. Meanwhile, it identifies the complementary nature of qualitative and quantitative measurements of airflow characterization techniques. Image recording systems plus data reconstruction programs are suggested to capture dynamic airflow features while accuracy validation by other techniques is required at the same time. Subsequent analysis of the measurement data showed that the various experimental measurements provided substantial information, but they also revealed disagreements and challenges in quantification. The dominance of submicron aerosols in exhaled particles and jet-like transport in exhaled airflow is obvious. More efforts should be made to measure particles larger than 20 μm, capture airflow dynamics in a high temporal and spatial resolution, and quantify the impact of face coverings to improve the understanding of human respiratory emissions.