Source control with masks and respirators in hospitals: exhalation aerosol shedding, jet suppression, and near-/far-field persistence

Key Points

• Effective source control reduces aerosol shedding in hospital environments, maintaining safety protocols.
• Aerosol persistence was measured in both near-field and far-field situations, highlighting significant risks.
• Jet suppression mechanisms vary between masks and respirators, influencing exhalation dynamics substantially.
• Findings support recommendations for enhanced source control, suggesting better health outcomes during respiratory outbreaks.