Size-specific filtration efficiency and pressure drop of school-aged children's woven and nonwoven masks at varying face velocities

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Face mask fit modifications that improve source control performance

Francoise M. Blachere et al.

Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the fit of face masks, such as using double masking and mask braces, can greatly enhance the performance of masks as source control devices for respiratory aerosols.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL (2022)

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Article Respiratory System

Size-Specific Filtration Performance of N95 Respirators After Decontamination by Moist Heat Incubation

Solbee Seo et al.

Summary: The study showed that moist heat incubation can be used for respirator decontamination without significant decrease in filtration efficiency. The impact of moist heat incubation may vary among different respirator models, hence requiring individual evaluation. Evaluating size-specific filtration efficiency across various particle sizes is crucial in determining the most penetrating particle size for respirators.

JOURNAL OF AEROSOL MEDICINE AND PULMONARY DRUG DELIVERY (2022)

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Article Engineering, Chemical

Aerosol filtration efficiency of household materials for homemade face masks: Influence of material properties, particle size, particle electrical charge, face velocity, and leaks

Frank Drewnick et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread use of face masks worldwide. Testing 44 samples of household materials and medical masks for filtration efficiencies and pressure drops across different particle sizes revealed significant variations between materials and particle sizes. Electrostatic attraction plays a strong role in overall filtration efficiency for particles up to 100 nm in diameter.

AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2021)

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Review Multidisciplinary Sciences

An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19

Jeremy Howard et al.

Summary: The science on public mask wearing to prevent COVID-19 transmission is rapidly evolving. Evidence suggests that wearing masks reduces the transmission of infected respiratory particles, especially when compliance is high. It is recommended to promote widespread use of face masks in public settings, along with existing hygiene practices, social distancing, and contact tracing strategies.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2021)

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Article Engineering, Industrial

Face masks and respirators in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview of the standards and testing methods

Parnia Forouzandeh et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to an increase in production but also resulting in quality issues. Testing the filtration efficiency and penetration of masks is crucial, as well as ensuring resistance to fluids and flames.

SAFETY SCIENCE (2021)

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Review Engineering, Biomedical

An overview of filtration efficiency through the masks: Mechanisms of the aerosols penetration

A. Tcharkhtchi et al.

Summary: Masks are seen as effective tools to protect the respiratory system against environmental threats, with filtration efficiency depending on the properties of the particles. Understanding the mechanisms of aerosol penetration through the masks under different environmental conditions is crucial for improving filtration efficiency.

BIOACTIVE MATERIALS (2021)

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Review Pediatrics

The impact of face masks on children-A mini review

Martin Eberhart et al.

Summary: This review assessed the effects of mask wearing on physiological variables in children and found a lack of relevant studies. Results from adult studies showed that face masks commonly used during the pandemic did not impair gas exchange during rest or mild exercise. Further studies are needed for evidence-based recommendations for different age groups.

ACTA PAEDIATRICA (2021)

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Review Chemistry, Physical

A technical review of face mask wearing in preventing respiratory COVID-19 transmission

Mingrui Liao et al.

Summary: Many countries recommend social distancing, hand hygiene, and face mask wearing to prevent COVID-19 infection, but the adoption of face masks is not widespread. Face masks can block virus-carrying particles through colloid and interface science. This paper assesses the knowledge behind face mask design and functionality, highlighting the effectiveness of face mask wearing in preventing COVID-19 infection.

CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Research on Regularities of Cyclic Air Motion through a Respirator Filter

Oleg Bazaluk et al.

Summary: This paper suggests a solution to the problem of pressure drop change in a respirator filter during cyclic air motion, by establishing a theoretical model to describe the relationship between pressure drop and airflow rate.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2021)

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Review Chemistry, Physical

Face masks against COVID-19: Standards, efficacy, testing and decontamination methods

Jerry T. J. Ju et al.

Summary: Masks are recommended as a low-cost strategy to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, although their effectiveness is still debated. Current research focuses on quality standards, filtration mechanisms, methods for evaluating mask integrity and particle filtration efficiency, as well as decontamination methods for reusing N95 and surgical masks.

ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Infectious Diseases

Effectiveness of different types of mask in aerosol dispersion in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Gokhan Tanisali et al.

Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of different mask types in limiting the dispersal of coughed air and found that the fit of a mask plays a crucial role in minimizing the contaminated region. There was no significant difference between the use of a single surgical mask and a double surgical mask in preventing the spread of coughed air. Cloth masks may be effective depending on the quality of the fabric, while valved N95 masks exclusively protect the user.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

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Review Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Aerosol Transmission of Infectious Disease and the Efficacy of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) A Systematic Review

Laramie Locke et al.

Summary: The transmission of infectious diseases through virus-laden aerosols is a concern for respiratory diseases such as SARS, MERS, influenza, and tuberculosis. The effectiveness of PPE, particularly facemasks, depends on filter efficiency, fit, and proper use, making it a last resort for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Filtration Performance of Layering Masks and Face Coverings and the Reusability of Cotton Masks after Repeated Washing and Drying

Sumit Sankhyan et al.

Summary: The study found that N95 and KN95 respirators had the highest filtration efficiency under perfect fit conditions, while cloth masks and bandanas had lower efficiency compared to surgical masks. Additionally, layering cloth masks over surgical masks significantly improved filtration efficiency, and cotton fabric masks can be washed and reused without a significant loss in filtration efficiency.

AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary