How can I protect myself in enclosed spaces, such as in the office, most likely from infection with the Coronavirus – enough already, a face visor ("Face Shield") or a cotton mask? Or a FFP mask is better? This is the question a group of researchers from the Technical University of Central Hessen is now investigated.

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The scientists, Henning Schneider, and Keyvan Sohrabi from the Giessen Institute for Medical Informatics simulated the propagation of virus-containing liquid particles are bumping into you when you Talk, Sing, cough or Sneeze out. Because: "in Particular, smaller particles with a size less than five microns (aerosols) are distributed under unfavorable circumstances, in all space and stay longer than half an hour in the air," explain the researchers.

aerosol spread of up to eight meters

For their study, the Team assumed that a Person without a mouth-nose cover or on a Standard work station sits in front of an office monitor, and even sneezes. The spread of the aerosols are calculated with the help of the method of numerical fluid mechanics. Their calculations, the researchers re-examined with a laser flexors, which can measure the distribution of particles in liquid or gaseous media.

The Simulation without the mask showed that the aerosol cloud may spread within a second more than two and a half meters in Niesrichtung and a maximum of up to eight metres wide-ranging. In contrast, a cotton mask prevented already spread beyond 1.5 meters. In addition, it reduced the speed of propagation and as a result, the particles sink quickly. Will be preserved in the office of the minimum distance, can protect Wearing a cotton mask to colleagues already good, so the conclusion of the researchers. THM distribution of the aerosol cloud with and without a mask

Also, FFP2 masks, which are denser than cotton masks, have demonstrated in the Simulation has a good effect. The only point of criticism: Due to the high pressure on the mask during the sneezing is a part of the aerosols escaping to the top.

How to beat the Face Shields? You are distracted, the investigation, the Aerosol is mainly downwards and to the side to the rear. At a distance of more than one and a half metres, they offer a good protection.

caution in the case of table fans

At best, the combination of a cotton mask and face visor cut off. However, the two project managers, a wardrobes, is the support for the hardest variant and over a longer period anyone expected.

However, she warned against the use of a table fan: Without protection by a mask and when the window is closed, the aerosol cloud spreads in a few seconds, throughout the room.

"recommended", is the conclusion of the study of Sohrabi and Schneider to the Wearing of masks in enclosed spaces. "Already the easiest of the mouth, nose coverings, and Face Shields offer good basic protection when several persons stay in a room." Corona-super spreader are female, young, without symptoms – what is it? FOCUS Online Corona super spreader are female, young, without symptoms – what is it?

Date Of Update: 23 July 2020, 11:27