What were the historical reasons for the resistance to recognizing airborne transmission during theCOVID‐19 pandemic?

Abstract

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How covid-19 spreads: narratives, counter narratives, and social dramas

“…11 Airborne precautions for airborne diseases are, of course, a legitimate component of infection prevention and control science, but in practice this professional group has focused historically on droplet precautions 12. …”

Aerosol concentrations and size distributions during clinical dental procedures

“…In medical literature, aerosols have been defined as particles size below 5 μm [ 14 ], but under current knowledge this division is problematic and might have followed from mixing of the concept of particles capable of reaching the deeper parts of the lungs (e.g. particles <5 μm) and particles capable to stay in air and move with air flows (particles up to approximately 100 μm) depending on the environmental conditions [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. In this paper we will follow the general aerosol definition regardless of the particle size.…”

Airborne SARS-CoV-2

“…Debate over the exact mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been intense 1. This is entirely reasonable, given that the mechanism of spread determines preventive and potentially lifesaving policies.…”

“…This is entirely reasonable, given that the mechanism of spread determines preventive and potentially lifesaving policies. But the choice between respiratory aerosol or droplet settled on short range droplets, which neatly circumvented any risk outside the fabled 2m zone 1. This choice gave rise to social distancing, hand and surface hygiene, and masks, but not to improved indoor air quality.…”

“…Just as the world woke up to a pandemic, a small group of determined scientists (including this author) appealed for consideration of airborne spread 28. Their advice was summarily dismissed 1. And so the group—in common with the pioneers of tuberculosis transmission—“provided an ingredient that scientists seldom mention: a mission to convince unbelievers.”29…”