Beyond the Headlines: Carl Zimmer on the Forgotten History of Airborne Science
Remember the intense debates early in the COVID-19 pandemic about how the virus spread? For many of us in the built environment and air quality sectors, the arguments over droplets versus aerosols felt both urgent and, at times, surprisingly contentious. Why was something seemingly so fundamental – how a respiratory virus travels through the air – the subject of such fierce disagreement, even "literal screaming matches" as our latest podcast guest describes?
If you found yourself asking that question, you're not alone. It's precisely this puzzle that drove acclaimed science writer Carl Zimmer , a columnist for the New York Times and author of numerous books on biology and the living world, down a historical "rabbit hole." The result is his fascinating new book, Airborne: The Hidden History of the Air We Breathe, and an equally captivating conversation on the latest episode of Air Quality Matters.
In this compelling discussion, Carl reveals that the arguments of 2020 were far from new. They were echoes of debates and discoveries stretching back decades, even centuries, involving brilliant minds, forgotten pioneers, and periods where crucial knowledge was seemingly lost. This blog post offers a glimpse into our conversation, but to truly grasp the depth and nuance of this hidden history, you need to hear it directly from Carl himself.
Unearthing Forgotten Pioneers: More Than Just Equations
Many in our field recognise the names Wells and Riley, primarily through the Wells-Riley equation used extensively during the pandemic. But who were William and Mildred Wells? As Carl explains in the podcast, they were a husband-and-wife team who, back in the 1930s and 40s, meticulously worked out many fundamental principles of airborne infection.
Intriguingly, despite their groundbreaking work demonstrating that pathogens could travel through the air and remain infectious, and even showing how UV light could combat this – their contributions faded into relative obscurity. Why? Carl dives into their story, revealing not just their scientific brilliance (particularly Mildred's, often overlooked) but also the complex personalities and challenging circumstances that hampered their efforts. Hearing Carl describe piecing together their lives from archival documents, uncovering reports that called William "peculiar" and detailing their struggles as outsiders who challenged the scientific consensus of the day, adds a rich human dimension often missing from textbook accounts.
Recurring Themes and "Lost Decades"
The conversation goes beyond the Wellses, touching upon other pivotal moments and figures. We discuss Louis Pasteur's surprisingly theatrical methods for proving the existence of microbes in the air in the 1860s, and the fascinating story of Fred Meyer, who coined the term "aerobiology" and conducted daring experiments searching for life high in the atmosphere using planes and balloons in the 1930s.
Perhaps more sobering is the discussion around how the study of aerobiology was diverted during and after World War II. Carl sheds light on figures like Theodore Roseberry and the secret world of biowarfare research at places like Camp Dietrich, where the principles pioneered by the Wellses were weaponised. This diversion into classified research arguably created "lost decades" where public health knowledge about airborne transmission stagnated. It raises the question: has aerobiology been, in some ways, a "cursed science," repeatedly struggling to gain traction?
We also touch on the uncanny parallels between historical debates and today's challenges. The scepticism the Wellses faced, the discussions around UV disinfection in the 1940s, the reluctance to accept the air itself as a vector for disease – these themes resonate strongly with contemporary issues in air quality and public health. It’s a potent reminder that many of the questions we grapple with today have deep historical roots. Discover the surprising connections Carl draws by tuning into the podcast.
The Challenge of Telling Science's Story
Beyond the specific history of airborne science, Carl offers valuable insights into the craft of science writing itself. How does a writer sift through history – from dusty archives filled with revealing letters to the ephemeral, constantly changing digital records of the modern era (hello, Wayback Machine!) – to construct an accurate and engaging narrative? We discuss the vital, yet often undervalued, skill of science communication and the challenges scientists and institutions face in bridging the gap between complex research and public understanding, especially in a politically charged environment.
Hearing Carl, a master communicator, reflect on the importance of storytelling in science, the responsibility of portraying historical figures accurately (warts and all), and the dangers of our disappearing digital history offers a unique perspective relevant to anyone working to translate technical knowledge into real-world impact.
Why You Need to Listen
Reading about these ideas is one thing, but hearing Carl Zimmer articulate them in his own voice, sharing the anecdotes and nuances discovered during his research, provides a much richer understanding.
If you're interested in the history that underpins our understanding of indoor air quality, infectious disease transmission, and the very air we breathe, this episode is essential listening.
This podcast was brought to you in partnership with
21 Degrees - Aico - Aereco - Ultra Protect and Inbiot
Do check them out in the links and on the Air Quality Matters Website.
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