Abstract View
Aerosols and Masks: Building Bridges from Aerosols Science to Clinical Infectious Disease Practice
DONALD MILTON, University of Maryland School of Public Health
Abstract Number: 632
Working Group: Invited by Conference Chair
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections in general can be transmitted via contact (direct and indirect), sprayborne drops from the mouth and nose, and aerosols composed of a wide range of droplet sizes. Medical literature frequently uses the terms respiratory droplets and aerosols – terminology that was established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The false dichotomy between droplets and aerosols produces confusion and miscommunication that hinders effective infection control. Dr. Milton will draw on respiratory physiology, aerosol and building science, aerobiology, exposure science, and industrial hygiene to provide a clear picture of transmission modes and their implications for understanding the data available on the modes of transmission for SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of universal masking.Learning objectives:Participants will be able to1. Understand how the common medical use of the terms “respiratory droplets” and “aerosols” leads to confusion.2. Describe the difference between an inhalable-nasopharyngeal, thoracic, and respirable aerosol and the implications of aerosol droplet size for infection transmission.3. Understand the hierarchy of controls and the importance of engineering and source controls.