New jet-sink airflow design traps 94% exhaled pathogens to reduce infection risk

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a novel "jet-sink" airflow device designed to trap and remove up to 94% of exhaled airborne pathogens, significantly reducing infection risk in indoor environments. Unlike traditional ventilation systems that circulate large volumes of air but struggle to prevent pathogen inhalation during close contact, this new personalized airflow approach redirects air around the body and draws contaminated aerosols into a localized purification zone. Computer simulations of a 30-minute interaction showed that while standard ventilation left a 91% infection risk, the jet-sink system reduced it dramatically to 9.5%, outperforming existing personal ventilation methods. The innovation addresses limitations of current personalized ventilation systems, which often cause discomfort due to constant high-speed airflow and lose effectiveness when users move. The jet-sink design combines comfort with targeted control, making it suitable for settings like clinics, classrooms, and offices where close contact is common. The research team plans to further test prototypes in larger and clinical spaces and hopes their findings