How Does the COVID-19 Virus Transmit in the Air?

Ages: Adult, Elementary, High School, Middle
Category: Demonstration/Presentation
Disciplines: Environmental Engineering, Sustainability
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The COVID-19 virus can be transmitted via airborne routes. The virus begins in the lung and is exhaled out through respiratory activities such as breathing and talking. When the virus is spread out through the mouth or nose, it is either contained within large droplets that settle down quickly or tiny aerosols (100 times smaller than a human hair diameter) that stay and flow with air for even hours. In this exhibit, we will be able to see the transmission of the tiny infectious aerosols using smoke visualization and answer questions through aerosol measurements.

Learn:

  • How social distancing and indoor capacity affects infection risk.
  • Does a mask reduce the infection risk?
  • If building ventilation affect the transmission and infection risk.
Dr. Shichao Liu, Assistant Professor

Prof. Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His research focuses on built and urban environment, occupant-building-environment interaction, and integrated design for sustainable and healthy buildings. Prof. Liu envisions his research promoting built sustainability and occupant well-being through the interface among building science, information science, public health, and social science.  Learn more.