New research uses breath mints to test social distancing

(FEBRUARY 17, 2023) For years, breath mints have been advertised as a way to encourage closeness. Their mint flavor gives a fresh feeling. Now, thanks to researchers from the University of Oregon College of Design in Eugene, breath mints may also provide clues to social distancing. This, in turn, might help shape better ways to prevent COVID.

The researchers at the University of Oregon explored the idea that the significant number of COVID super-spreading outbreaks were caused by transmissions greater than six feet away. They call this "far-field transmissions". Current guidelines recommend at least six feet of distance for proper social distancing. Now this research could affect future distancing guidelines.

Researchers know that measurements of the ratio of near and far exposures to COVID make useful data. So researchers used an environmentally-controlled chamber. They measured volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from a healthy participant who consumed breath mints. The breath mints had unique ingredients. The team was then able to see how the ingredients acted over time. Were there a lot? Did they spread? Researchers learned that the longer a person stays in a space, the less effective social distancing becomes.

Additionally, their research demonstrates a new way to study airborne germs by using VOCs. In this case the ingredients from the breath mints represented the airborne germs. This method can be used in the future to estimate the benefits of different conditions and behaviors.