Characteristics of exhaled particle production in healthy volunteers: possible implications for infectious disease transmission.

ABSTRACT: The size and concentration of exhaled particles may influence respiratory infection transmission risk. We assessed variation in exhaled particle production between individuals, factors associated with high production and stability over time. We measured exhaled particle production during tidal breathing in a sample of 79 healthy volunteers, using optical particle counter technology. Repeat measurements (several months after baseline) were obtained for 37 of the 79 participants.   Multilevel linear regression models of log transformed particle production measures were used to assess risk factors for high production.  Stability between measurements over time was assessed using Lin's correlation coefficients. Ninety-nine percent of expired particles were <1μm in diameter. Considerable variati

SUBMITTER: Wurie F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3901511 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature