Keep your distance in the choir - singing can spread more corona than speech

So far, there has been a lack of scientific studies of how much aerosol particles and larger drops are actually emitted when we sing, Lund University writes in a press release.

- There are many reports of the spread of covid-19 in connection with choral singing. Various restrictions have therefore been introduced around the world to make the song safer, says Jakob Löndahl, associate professor of aerosol technology.

Twelve healthy singers and two people with confirmed covid-19 have participated in the research project.

The research study shows that singing - especially loud and consonant-rich ones - spreads a lot of aerosol particles (small airborne particles) and large drops to the surrounding air.

- Some drops are so large that they only move a few decimetres from the mouth before falling down, while others are smaller and can stay afloat for many minutes. The pronunciation of consonants in particular releases very large drops, where the letters B and P stand out as the largest aerosol diffusers, says Malin Alsved, doctoral student in aerosol technology.

During the research experiment, the singers had to enter a specially built chamber with filtered and clean air. During the singing experiment, aerosols and larger drops were measured with the help of strong lamps, a high-speed camera and an instrument that can measure very small particles. The louder and more powerful the song, the more aerosols and drops.

Mouthguards helped to some extent The

researchers believe that mouthguards can make a certain difference.

- When the singers wore a simple mouthguard, most of the aerosols and drops were caught and the levels became comparable to those of ordinary speech, says Jakob Löndahl.

- The song does not have to be silent, but right now it should not be done without appropriate measures to reduce the risk of infection.