aerosolbarrier

Aerosol barrier refers to a barrier or system designed to limit the spread of aerosolized particles in air. It can be passive, such as physical barriers that obstruct direct dispersion, or active, using ventilation or filtration to capture or remove aerosols from the environment. The concept is applied in healthcare, laboratories, and industrial settings to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants.

In healthcare, aerosol barriers are used during aerosol-generating procedures to lessen exposure for clinicians and other staff. In laboratories and industry, they help contain bioaerosols, chemical aerosols, or spray and paint aerosols. Common forms include clear acrylic or plastic shields, drapes or containment boxes around patients or work areas, and air-barrier systems such as air curtains or laminar-flow devices. Complementary strategies include local exhaust ventilation, portable HEPA filtration units, and, when appropriate, negative-pressure rooms.

Effectiveness depends on design, placement, and the surrounding ventilation. Barrier devices are intended to reduce exposure but are not a substitute for proper ventilation or personal protective equipment (PPE). They can lower aerosol concentrations when well integrated into the room’s air-handling strategy, but poor design or misuse can create stagnant zones or unintended exposure.

Guidance from health and safety authorities emphasizes using barriers in conjunction with established infection-control practices, routine decontamination, and staff training. Limitations include potential interference with procedures and visibility, as well as the need for ongoing maintenance. See also containment, infection control, HEPA filtration, and ventilation strategies.