Japan supercomputer shows humidity affects aerosol spread of coronavirus

[sl8]

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-japan-supercompute-idUSKBN26Z0PI

OCTOBER 14, 2020 2:36 AM
UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

Japan supercomputer shows humidity affects aerosol spread of coronavirus

By Rocky Swift
2 MIN READ

TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese supercomputer showed that humidity can have a large effect on the dispersion of virus particles, pointing to heightened coronavirus contagion risks in dry, indoor conditions during the winter months.

The finding suggests that the use of humidifiers may help limit infections during times when window ventilation is not possible, according to a study released on Tuesday by research giant Riken and Kobe University.

The researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to model the emission and flow of virus-like particles from infected people in a variety of indoor environments.

[...]

[SheltieLover]

1. Think of the implications for schools that insist on in person

[Mike 03]

2. This information could be very useful.

Thanks for posting.

[Boogiemack]

3. For people who cannot afford humidifiers this may help:

Last edited Thu Oct 15, 2020, 04:03 PM - Edit history (1)

Boiling water on the stove top throughout the day

Hanging washed but damp towels around to dry instead of using the dryer

After hot showers, opening the showers and opening the bathroom door to allow moist air to escape

Placement of pans of water where possible for evaporation into the atmosphere.

Some families cannot afford to purchase humidifiers but those of us who can afford an extra one might consider purchasing one for the elderly or family members or neighbors facing dire situations.

Just my thinking.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Sure Can't Hurt!

The one caution I'd throw in:
The water on the stove thing should be done for limited periods if one has a gas stove.
A great majority of people do not have conveyed air venting for their stoves.
While natural gas stoves emit very little carbon monoxide, it's not zero. And the CO2 has nowhere to go, either.
Doing it for hours a day could lead to a build up of those gasses beyond what is healthy.
If people do that, they should do it in small doses.

[niyad]

5. All god ideas, the sort of thing recommended in very dry areas already. When one is simmering water

on the stove, adding cinnamon or citrus peels works as a simmering potpourri, a nice homey fragrance.(I have no idea if that would affect transmission.)

[Roc2020]

7. Great info thanks

[DAMANgoldberg]

9. BITD

Our family did this as a matter of fact, but never put 2 + 2 together on this until now. Thanx.

[Trailrider1951]

11. Instead of just water, cook a pot of beans, or chicken soup

maybe some boiled potatoes with parsley and butter. Any dish that will add moisture to the air, and will provide a tasty meal when you're done!

[AwakeAtLast]

13. Too bad I can't tie one around my neck

As I go from classroom to classroom....

[Liberty Belle]

6. Careful - humidifiers can also cause some illnesses if they build up mold or bacteria:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021#:~:text=But%20be%20cautious%3A%20Although%20useful,can%20breed%20mold%20or%20bacteria.

I'm concerned some seniors might not properly clean them so if you get one for a senior, be sure to check on this.

[Amishman]

8. Not surprising, this is very true of the common cold as well

And several of the viruses the fall under that unbrelt are coronaviruses

This is a significant reason why the common cold is most often experienced in winter in colder climates

[Hugin]

10. Makes sense less in the air impeding it's spread.

Congratulations to the team on doing some science.

[Initech]

12. This shitty virus was spawned from dark, poorly ventilated rooms.

No wonder it thrives there.