A Simple and Inexpensive Downdraft Table to Limit Aerosol Exposure from Patients, Aerosol-Generating Procedures, and Surgical Smoke

Abstract

Pathogenic aerosols are common, especially in clinical settings. Aerosols are released from quiet and forced respiration, non-respiratory movements (e.g., coughing and sneezing), aerosol-generating procedures, and surgical smoke plumes. Aerosols may contain viruses (e.g., coronaviruses, influenza viruses, adenoviruses) and bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Stapylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Surgical smoke plumes may contain harmful volatile organic compounds (e.g., formaldehyde), viral particles (e.g., human papillomavirus), or cancerous cells. Thus, the containment of airborne pathogenic organisms, xenobiotics, and bioaerosols is of the utmost importance. Yet, despite the importance of negative airflow and exhaust ventilation, many clinical environments do not have adequate ventilation systems— often due to significant monetary expenses or other barriers to access such as remote locations. Recently, a relatively inexpensive downdraft table (< 200 USD), made of wood, tarps, rebar, and corrugated steel roofing material and a simple local exhaust ventilation system (~ 300 USD) have been demonstrated to eliminate airborne VOCs, including VOCs found in surgical smoke. However, the table has not been assessed regarding the capacity to remove water-based aerosols. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to assess the ability of the downdraft table and local exhaust ventilation system to exhaust varied water-based and organic aerosols. The study identifies that a simple and inexpensive downdraft table can effectively exhaust aerosols like those found in clinical environments. This study represents an innovation in accessible medical technology that will improve health and safety in regions that include developing countries and remote locations.