The coronavirus pandemic has largely taken a break from live performances, but new research suggests there may be a way for singers to showcase their talents safely: Keep the volume down.
Preliminary data from a new study suggest that when singing and speaking at the quietest volume (about 50-60 decibels), no activity is significantly different from breathing related to expelling airborne particles called aerosols, according to the report. However, the levels vary according to higher volumes, according to the study.
“The study showed that the transmission of viruses into small aerosol particles is generated when someone sings or speaks, the same are possible with both activities that generate similar number of particles.” Jonathan Reid, director of the ESPRC Center for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science and a corresponding author on paper, said in a release from the University of Bristol.
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The study, PERFORM, was published on the pre-print server ChemRxiv, and looked at the number of aerosols and drops (up to 20 micrometers in diameter) expelled by a group of 25 professional artists who performed singing, speaking, coughing and breathing exercises . The study assessed participants as they sang and spoke “Happy Birthday” within the range of 50-60, 70-80 and 90-100 decibels (dB), the news release stated.
Study shows transmission of viruses generated in aerosol particles when someone sings or speaks are equally possible with both activities generating similar number of particles, according to researchers
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The researchers observed a spike in aerosol mass with increased volume while talking and singing, with a factor up to 20-30 times. However, the singing did not produce significantly more aerosols than speaking at a similarly quiet volume, the report said.
When participants quoted “Happy Birthday” at various volume levels, the researchers found during the loudest volume level of singing and speaking, 90-100dB, singing produced about 36 times more aerosol mass than breathing, and speech generated 24 times more, according to one report.
“The volume of activity, whether it’s talking or singing softly or speaking loudly or singing, is really the most important factor in governing the aerosol mass that is generated,” Reid told one news release.
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The team of researchers from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London wanted to accurately quantify the aerosols that were expelled from the artists. While measuring the aerosols by measuring the vocalizations, the researchers avoid false readings caused by particles found in the environment by using an orthopedic operating theater, which they declare has an environment of “zero aerosol background,” he said. the news release.
The authors of the study concluded that performing arts organizations could potentially treat the same as speaking, instead focusing on the volume and duration of vocalizations during performances, the number of artists and audience members, as well as the efficiency of the venue’s ventilation system. .
“This research will provide useful information to artists, venues and art organizations on how to reintroduce singing performances,” said correspondent study director Declan Costello, an ear, nose and throat surgeon specializing in speech disorders at Wexham Park Hospital. e released.
“Our research has provided a rigorous scientific basis for COVID-19’s recommendations for the arts to serve safely for both artists and the public by ensuring that spaces are on adequate ventilation to reduce the risk of air travel,” Reid said, too. a professor of chemistry at the University of Bristol, explained.
The authors have warned that the data is preliminary, but hope it will add to future research that moves towards allowing live performances and safe distance from audiences and performers during the coronavirus pandemic. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed and was supported by Public Health England and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), according to the news release.
