Our team at the Hoffman Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this article from The San Antonio Report, concerning a study found in The Journal of Fluid Mechanics.
A recent study spearheaded by scientists from the University of Texas at San Antonio has found staying 6 feet apart outdoors might not be enough on its own to protect against the coronavirus.
The study, published in September, was led by UTSA associate professor of mechanical engineering Kiran Bhaganagar. Bhaganagar’s research found that in low-wind conditions coronavirus aerosol particles can spread from 1 to 2 kilometers, or a little over a mile, and can survive up to 30 minutes.
Focusing on New York City, the study took into account March and April weather conditions and how the virus could have potentially spread during its earliest months within the U.S. Using computer modeling, Bhaganagar and her team of students created a real-time, high-fidelity simulation of a virus-filled cough as it was released into the atmosphere from an infected person.
Chemically intolerant individuals are well aware of the fact that simply being outside does not make exposures disappear. Tobacco smoke, fragranced dryer sheets, diesel exhaust, fireplace smoke, and road resurfacing are examples of outdoor exposures that are problematic for sensitive people.
Read the full external article at The San Antonio Report. Find the full report at The Journal of Fluid Mechanics.
How chemically sensitive are you?
Take the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI) survey:
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any of these three questions, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor! To learn more, visit the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman TILT Program website.