https://www.bbc.com/news/health-53853961
By Lauren Moss Health correspondent, BBC News
Aug. 20, 2020
Singing does not produce substantially more respiratory particles than speaking at a similar volume, a study suggests.
But it all depends on how loud a person is, according to the initial findings which are yet to be peer reviewed.
•••••
They found that the volume of the voice had the largest impact on the amount of aerosol produced.
For example, there was some difference - albeit not very substantial - between speaking and singing at a similar level. Whereas singing or shouting at the loudest level could generate 30 times more aerosol.
Ventilation could also have an effect on how aerosol builds up. The larger the venue and the more ventilation there is could affect how concentrated the volumes are.
•••••
Dr Julian Tang, honorary associate professor in respiratory sciences at the University of Leicester, said: "The risk is amplified when a group of singers are singing together, eg singing to an audience, whether in churches or concert halls or theatres. It is a nice study but not exactly representative of the real whole choir dynamic, which really needs further study to truly assess the risk of such large volume synchronised singing vocalisations/exhalations.
"The risks should not be overly underestimated or played down because of this - we don't want choir members getting infected and potentially dying from Covid-19 whilst doing what they love."
No comments:
Post a Comment