Advancing Aerosol Exposure Reduction through Integrated UVC Technologies, PPE Innovations, and Fluid Dynamics

TOM DUNBAR, tomPhyzx.LLC

     Abstract Number: 381
     Working Group: Aerosol Exposure

Abstract
Effective reduction of aerosol exposure, particularly in indoor environments, remains critical for infection control and public health. This research outlines an innovative integrated approach combining advanced ultraviolet-C (UVC) technologies, novel personal protective equipment (PPE), and strategic airflow management informed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The overarching goal is to substantially reduce aerosol-mediated pathogen transmission in occupied spaces, such as healthcare facilities.

We have developed and tested prototypes utilizing both traditional UVC and far-UVC systems, coupled with real-time occupant awareness via LoRaWAN-enabled Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors. This approach fosters occupant acceptance by transparently indicating active UVC use and ensuring safety compliance through accessible data visualization. Additionally, our project introduces eyeglass-based PPE explicitly designed for hospital environments, offering frontline workers continuous protection against aerosolized pathogens without obstructing communication, eating, or personal interaction. Unlike conventional masks, this innovative design delivers sanitized air through discreet channels integrated into the glasses, terminating in a transparent silicone nosepiece, significantly enhancing staff-to-patient interactions.

Integral to our research is the application of fluid dynamics to optimize air movement, enhancing pathogen exposure to sanitization technologies while minimizing cross-contamination risks. Collaborations leveraging empirical CFD analyses will validate our innovative airflow management strategies, offering measurable improvements in indoor air quality.

Finally, this work pioneers the theoretical exploration of population inversion in aerosol pathogen inactivation, hypothesizing a nonlinear germicidal response. Planned experimental validation of this theory may redefine UVC efficacy models, significantly impacting guidelines and protocols for air sanitization.

Collectively, our comprehensive approach combining technological innovation, practical PPE solutions, and robust fluid dynamics modeling aims to establish transformative best practices for aerosol exposure mitigation, directly aligning with AAAR's mission to advance aerosol research and its societal applications.