Playing wind instruments generates fewer airborne particles than speaking or singing and is no different than a person breathing, according to new research. Scientists say the findings, published online in the journal Aerosol Science and Technology, could help develop a roadmap for lifting Covid-19 restrictions in the performing arts. The study examined the amount of aerosols – a suspension of fine particles or liquid droplets – generated when a person played woodwind and brass instruments compared with breathing and vocalisation – speaking and singing. It involved nine musicians playing 13 woodwind and brass instruments such as the flute, piccolo, clarinet, trumpet and trombone in an operating theatre with no background aerosol particles.