car windows: keep the windows open: does the airflow inside the car affect the risk of Covid transmission?

December 5, 2020 Science

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BOSTON: Using computer simulations, scientists analyzed airflow patterns inside a car’s passenger compartment, shedding light on potential ways to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by sharing journeys with others. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, evaluated the airflow inside a compact car with various combinations of open or closed windows.

According to researchers, including those from Brown University in the United States, simulations showed that opening windows created airflow patterns that dramatically reduced the concentration of airborne aerosol particles exchanged between a driver and an individual. passenger.

However, they said blowing up the car’s ventilation system didn’t circulate the air as well as some open windows.

“Driving around with the windows up and the air conditioning or heating is definitely the worst case scenario, according to our computer simulations,” said Asimanshu Das, co-lead author of the Brown University research.

“The best scenario we found was having all four windows open, but even having one or two open was much better than having all of them closed,” Das said.

While it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk and current guidelines recommend postponing travel, the scientists said the goal of the study was simply to assess how changes in airflow inside a car can worsen or reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

In the research, the computer models simulated a car, loosely based on a Toyota Prius, with two people inside: a driver and a passenger sitting in the back seat opposite the driver.

Scientists said they chose this seating arrangement as it maximizes the physical distance between the two people.

Since the novel coronavirus is thought to spread via tiny aerosol particles that can remain in the air for long periods of time, the researchers simulated the flow of air around and inside a car moving at 50 miles. then.

Part of the reason opening the windows is better in terms of aerosol transmission is because it increases the number of air changes per hour (ACH) inside the car which reduces the overall aerosol concentration, the study notes.

Scientists showed that different combinations of open windows created different air currents inside the car that could increase or decrease exposure to the remaining aerosols.

Since the occupants in the simulations were seated on opposite sides of the cabin, they said very few particles were transferred between the two.

According to the research, the driver was slightly more at risk than the passenger as the average airflow in the car goes from rear to front, but added that both occupants experience significantly less particle transfer.

When some, but not all, windows were closed, the study produced counterintuitive results.

Citing an example of one such case, the scientists said that opening the windows next to each occupant carried a higher exposure risk than lowering the window in front of each occupant.

“When the windows in front of the occupants are open, you get a flow that enters the car behind the driver, goes through the cabin behind the passenger, and then exits the front passenger side window,” said Kenny Breuer, an engineering professor at Brown. University and senior author of the research.

“This model helps reduce cross-contamination between driver and passenger,” Breuer said.

Scientists said airflow adjustments do not replace the use of masks by both occupants inside a car, adding that the results are limited to potential exposure to persistent aerosols that may contain pathogens. .

Citing another limitation of the study, the scientists said it did not model larger respiratory droplets or the risk of actually being infected with the virus.

However, they said the findings provide valuable new insight into air circulation patterns within a car’s cabin.

Coronavirus Can Make Children Worry – Here’s How To Talk

Corona Conversations

In the wake of the coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been closed in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations about the new virus increase, the situation can make children anxious and worried about their family and friends.

Parents, family members, teachers, caregivers and trusted adults play a significant role in helping children make sense of what they hear honestly, accurately, and minimize their fear or anxiety.

Dr Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist and HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore shares some tips to help make the crown conversation around babies easier.

General principles when talking to children

– Remember that children react to how and what they are said

– Children collect insights from conversations you have with them and with others

– Listen patiently to what they say and allow them to ask questions

– Avoid using words that could blame others and lead to stigma

– Remember that the virus can make anyone sick. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19

– Pay attention to what children see, hear or read on television, radio or online

– Reduce the amount of screen time for kids focused on COVID-19. Too much information on any one topic can cause anxiety and worry

– Provide information to children that is honest and accurate. Provide information that is truthful and appropriate for the child’s age and level of development

– Talk to children about how some COVID-19 stories on the internet and social media can be based on inaccurate rumors and information

– Teach children daily actions to reduce the spread of germs

– Keep calm and keep information simple

– Reassure children that health and education authorities are working very hard to keep everyone safe and sound

– Teaches do’s and don’ts at home, at school and in play areas

From

– Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing, sneezing or sick

– Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow, then throw the tissue in a closed container

– Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom and before eating or learning to prepare food

– If soap and water are not available, teach children to use a hand sanitizer

What not to do

– Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes and face with dirty hands

– Avoid coughing or sneezing into the hands

– Avoid crowded places

– Avoid unnecessarily touching surfaces in public places and play areas

Points for discussions on COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

– COVID-19 is the short name of “coronavirus disease 2019”

– It’s a new virus. Doctors are still learning more

– Recently, this virus has made many people sick

– Doctors and scientists think most people will be fine, especially children, but some people could get seriously ill

– Doctors and experts are working hard to help people stay healthy

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