A cough aerosol simulator that uses CAN as the primary communication protocol is being used to study how well face masks and face shields block cough aerosols. The system was originally developed by Bill Lindsley and colleagues from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to simulate a coughing patient in a medical examination room, but has since been used to research the efficacy of ventilation systems in ambulances in limiting the exposure of staff to airborne particles, as well as protective measures to limit airborne particle spread in aircraft.