A Japanese supercomputer showed that humidity can have a large
effect on the dispersion of virus particles, pointing to heightened
coronavirus contagion risks in dry, indoor conditions during the winter
months.
The finding suggests that the use of humidifiers may help
limit infections during times when window ventilation is not possible,
according to a study released on Tuesday by research giant Riken and
Kobe University.
The researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to
model the emission and flow of virus-like particles from infected people
in a variety of indoor environments.
Air humidity of lower than
30% resulted in more than double the amount of aerosolised particles
compared to levels of 60% or higher, the simulations showed.
The
study also indicated that clear face shields are not as effective as
masks in preventing the spread of aerosols. Other findings showed that
diners are more at risk from people to their side compared to across the
table, and the number of singers in choruses should be limited and
spaced out.
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Japan supercomputer shows humidity affects aerosol spread of coronavirus
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