A novel box for aerosol and droplet guarding and evacuation in respiratory infection (BADGER) for COVID-19 and future outbreaks

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions and killed more than 1.7 million people worldwide as of December 2020. Healthcare providers are at increased risk of infection when caring for patients with COVID-19. The mechanism of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is beginning to emerge as airborne spread in addition to direct droplet and indirect contact as main routes of transmission. Here, we report on the design, construction, and testing of the BADGER (Box for Aerosol and Droplet Guarding and Evacuation in Respiratory Infection), an affordable, scalable device that contains droplets and aerosol particles, thus minimizing the risk of infection to healthcare providers. A semi-sealed environment is created inside the BADGER, which is placed over the head of the patient and maintains at least 12-air changes per hour using in-wall vacuum suction. Multiple hand-ports enable healthcare providers to perform essential tasks on a patient’s airway and head. Overall, the BADGER has the potential to contain large droplets and small airborne particles as demonstrated by simulated qualitative and quantitative assessments to provide an additional layer of protection for healthcare providers treating COVID-19 and future respiratory contagions.

Functional analysis of a negative pressure airborne infection isolation canopy unit for the prevention of transmission of droplets and aerosols- An experimental study

“…Quantitative and qualitative assessments demonstrated the ability of BADGER to act as an additional barrier for healthcare providers treating patients suffering from COVID-19. [ 13 ] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed the Ventilated Headboard. This device consists of a lightweight, sturdy and adjustable frame made of aluminium with a retractable plastic canopy.…”

A Theoretical Model of Soil Aerosol Generation and Vertical Transport During Rainfall

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Related to human health, a myriad of viruses and microorganisms are adhered on the surfaces of the aerosols and may cause disease to spread widely through the respiratory tract (Chen et al, 2015;Huffman et al, 2013;Joung et al, 2017). It is also one of the main routes of transmission for COVID-19, which has taken a huge toll on the global human existence and economy in recent years (Bale et al, 2022;Firle et al, 2022;Le et al, 2021). An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of aerosols generation and transport are critical to stopping the transmission of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.Traditional theories hold that, windblown dust and sea salt from sea spray are the chief sources of environmental aerosol (Fuchs, 1989;Lighthart & Mohr, 1994; Ruzer & Harley, 2012).

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