The emission and dynamics of droplets from human expiratory activities and COVID-19 transmission in public transport system: A review

作者：Qiaoqiao Wang, Jianwei Gu, Taicheng An · 发表于：Building and Environment · 年份：2022 · DOI：10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109224 · 被引用次数：44 · 研究领域：Infection Control and Ventilation、Air Quality and Health Impacts、Inhalation and Respiratory Drug Delivery

The public transport system, containing a large number of passengers in enclosed and confined spaces, provides suitable conditions for the spread of respiratory diseases. Understanding how diseases are transmitted in public transport environment is of vital importance to public health. However, this is a highly multidisciplinary matter and the related physical processes including the emissions of respiratory droplets, the droplet dynamics and transport pathways, and subsequently, the infection risk in public transport, are poorly understood. To better grasp the complex processes involved, a synthesis of current knowledge is required. Therefore, we conducted a review on the behaviors of respiratory droplets in public transport system, covering a wide scope from the emission profiles of expiratory droplets, the droplet dynamics and transport, to the transmission of COVID-19 in public transport. The literature was searched using related keywords in Web of Science and PubMed and screened for suitability. The droplet size is a key parameter in determining the deposition and evaporation, which together with the exhaled air velocity largely determines the horizontal travel distance. The potential transmission route and transmission rate in public transport as well as the factors influencing the virus-laden droplet behaviors and virus viability (such as ventilation system, wearing personal protective equipment, air temperature and relative humidity) were also discussed. The review al...