Modality of human expired aerosol size distributions

An essential starting point when investigating the potential role of human expired aerosols in the transmission of disease is to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the expired aerosol generation process, including the aerosol size distribution, the various droplet production mechanisms involved and the corresponding sites of production within the respiratory tract. In order to approach this level of understanding we have integrated the results of two different investigative techniques spanning 3 decades of particle size from 700 nm to 1 mm, presenting a single composite size distribution, and identifying the most prominent modes in that distribution. We link these modes to specific sites of origin and mechanisms of production. The data for this were obtained using the Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) covering the range 0.7≤d≤20 μm and Droplet Deposition Analysis (DDA) covering the range d≥20 μm.In the case of speech three distinct droplet size distribution modes were identified with count median diameters at 1.6, 2.5 and 145 μm. In the case of voluntary coughing the modes were located at 1.6, 1.7 and 123 μm. The modes are associated with three distinct processes: one occurring deep in the lower respiratory tract, another in the region of the larynx and a third in the upper respiratory tract including the oral cavity. The first of these, the Bronchiolar Fluid Film Burst (BFFB or B) mode contains droplets produced during normal breathing. The second, the Laryngeal (L) mode is most active during voicing and coughing. The third, the Oral (O) cavity mode is active during speech and coughing. The number of droplets and the volume of aerosol material associated with each mode of aerosol production during speech and coughing is presented. The size distribution is modeled as a tri-modal lognormal distribution dubbed the Bronchiolar/Laryngeal/Oral (B.L.O.) tri-modal model.

► We investigate the role of human expired aerosols in disease transmission. ► Three droplet size distribution modes were identified during speech and coughing. ► We present the number of droplets and volume of aerosol material for each mode. ► Results provide insight into expired aerosol generation process.