An experimental approach to quantifying the inhaled aerosol dose by human participants

Investigating indoor aerosol spread and inhalation is important to limit air pollution and virus transmission, or ensure the delivery of aerosolized drugs in a hospital room. Until now, most studies rely on particulate matter sensors, some of which are integrated into breathing mannequins. An experimental methodology is here presented to determine the inhaled dose using salt collecting masks. Since real people participate in the experiment, it is no longer necessary to simulate the breathing cycle by any mechanical means. The methodology, which uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to detect the salt accumulated in the mask after each experiment, poses no risks to human health and can be applied to real life scenarios. The method is tested on simple scenarios representing typical indoor situations. The inhaled dose, calculated as function of the distance to a salt-emitting source, aligns well with literature and analytical data. The method shows promise for future investigations of more complex, dynamic scenarios involving mobile human participants, where both the aerosol flow and the breathing cycle are affected by their motion.