Inter-laboratory Comparison between Particle and Bacterial Filtration Efficiencies of Medical Face Masks in the COVID-19 Context

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission lead to the recommendation of mask wearing during the pandemic COVID-19. Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) measurements are used to measure the efficiency of medical face masks in preventing the spread of bioaerosols. Even though these measurements are simple, BFE testing still raise several scientific questions. This paper presents an inter-laboratory comparison between Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE), in order to better understand and establish an overview of both ways for testing surgical masks. Filtration efficiency of six commercial surgical masks have been measured using such experimental methods, i.e., the BFE and the PFE using 3 µm particles initially developed for community face covering testing. The fractional filtration efficiencies have been measured and compared in order to explain the differences. Recommendations for improving associated EN14683:2019+AC standard are also proposed according to the results. © The Author's institution.

Reusability of face masks: Influence of washing and comparison of performance between medical face masks and community face masks

Reusability of masks is a rising environmental concern. Community face masks present a more eco-friendly option as they can be washed and reused several times. The potential reuse of single use medical face masks is also of interest. In this work, the impact of 20 wash cycles (at 60 degrees C with detergent and air-drying) on the particle filtration efficiency (particle size range 0.1-6. 5 mu m) and breathability of masks was studied. With regards to the performance of new masks, the medical mask had breathability of 31 Pa.cm(-2) whilst it ranged from 9 to 59 Pa.cm(-2) for the community face masks. Additionally, for 3 mu m particles, the filtration efficiency was 99% for the medical mask and ranged from 28%-89% for the community face masks. Mixed fabric masks were able to maintain their performance up to 20 washing cycles. The washed 100% cotton masks were less breathable but with higher filtration efficiency because of shrinkage of the fabric. The washed medical face mask was able to maintain its breathability and filtration efficiency for sizes >= 3 mu m, however the filtration efficiency was significantly reduced for the submicron particles. This was because the presence of detergent caused the loss of electrostatic charges and led to a decrease of the particle collection by the electrostatic forces. All things considered, both the medical face mask and community face masks can be reused several times, with performances in terms of breathability and filtration efficiency (for particle sizes >= 3 mu m) that remain globally little changed after washing. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Biocompatibile nanofiber based membranes for high-efficiency filtration of nano-aerosols with low air resistance.

Particulate matter (PMs) from combustion emissions (traffic, power plant, and industries) and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have recently enhanced the development of personal protective equipment against airborne pathogens to protect humans' respiratory system. However, most commercial face masks still cannot simultaneously achieve breathability and high filtration of PMs, bacteria, and viruses. This study used the electrospinning method with polyimide (PI) and polyethersulfone (PES) solutions to form a nanofiber membrane with low-pressure loss and high biocompatibility for high-efficiency bacteria, viruses, and nano-aerosol removal. Conclusively, the optimized nano-sized PI/PES membrane (0.1625 m2/g basis weight) exhibited conspicuous performance for the highest filtration efficiency towards PM from 50 to 500 nm (99.74 %), good filter quality of nano-aerosol (3.27 Pa-1), exceptional interception ratio against 100-nm airborne COVID-19 (over 99 %), and non-toxic effect on the human body (107 % cell viability). The PI/PES nanofiber membrane required potential advantage to form a medical face mask because of its averaged 97 % BEF on Staphylococcus aureus filiation and ultra-low pressure loss of 0.98 Pa by referring ASTM F2101-01. The non-toxic PI/PES filters provide a new perspective on designing excellent performance for nano-aerosols from air pollution and airborne COVID-19 with easy and comfortable breathing under ultra-low air flow resistance.

Acne care in health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national survey.

The medical face mask, widely used by health care providers (HCPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, is reported to be associated with adverse reactions, among which acne is one of the most common. This study aims to evaluate treatment strategies employed by HCPs affected by acne in association with prolonged medical face mask use, their openness towards accessing telemedicine as a patient, and other lifestyle factors with potential influence on the evolution of their acne. Our online-based cross-sectional survey was distributed between December 17, 2020, and February 17, 2021, and targeted HCPs from different medical centers in Romania. From the n = 134 respondents, 50% reported current acne lesions and 56.7% required treatment. Of the latter, 65.8% self-medicated and 34.2% sought medical advice. The most common treatment associations between anti-acne topical products were: retinoids and salicylic acid (18.18%; n = 8), retinoids and benzoyl peroxide (13.64%; n = 6), salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide (13.64%; n = 6), and azelaic acid together with salicylic acid (9.09%; n = 4). The health care provider responders were reluctant to use telemedicine, as only 14.2% participants were open to telemedicine. Our results suggest inadequate management of acne in HCPs using medical face masks. As with other occupational hazards and proper usage of personal protective equipment, HCPs should receive adequate screening, training, and treatment for this condition.

Screening Medical Face Mask for Coronavirus Prevention using Deep Learning and AutoML

In the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic causes a global health crisis around the world. On the other hand, given the current shortage and limits of medical resources, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests several measures to control the infection rate and avoid depleting limited medical resources. In fact, wearing a medical mask is one of the non-pharmaceutical measures that can be used to limit the spread of this pandemic. This paper aims to present a new deep learning model based on AutoML for medical face mask detection. This proposed model was trained on a publicly available dataset that contained three classes: With mask, Incorrect mask, and Without mask. The achieved results show that the proposed model reaches an Accuracy and sensitivity of 99.74% and 99% respectively. © 2022 IEEE.

Improving Filtration Efficacy of Medical Face Masks

We built a simple unipolar positive corona charger and tested it with five different medical face masks. Charging the particles significantly enhanced the filtration efficiencies of all of the masks in terms of the submicron fraction, with an average increase of from 58 to 93% for 0.3 µm particles. Simultaneously, the pressure drop remained practically the same, showing the high potential in using electret media. However, the corona discharge generated ozone, which is an issue that must be addressed. These results contribute to the development of effective solutions against airborne threats.

Exergy intensity and environmental consequences of the medical face masks curtailing the COVID-19 pandemic: Malign bodyguard?

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization identified SARS-CoV-2 as a public health emergency of global concern. Accordingly, the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), including medical face masks, has sharply risen compared with 2019. The new situation has led to a sharp increase in energy demand and the environmental impacts associated with these product systems. Hence, the pandemic's effects on the environmental consequences of various PPE types, such as medical face masks, should be assessed. In light of that, the current study aimed to identify the environmental hot-spots of medical face mask production and consumption by using life cycle assessment (LCA) and tried to provide solutions to mitigate the adverse impacts. Based on the results obtained, in 2020, medical face masks production using fossil-based plastics causes the loss of 2.03 × 103 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); 1.63 × 108 PDF*m2*yr damage to ecosystem quality; the climate-damaging release of 2.13 × 109 kg CO2eq; and 5.65 × 1010 MJ damage to resources. Besides, annual medical face mask production results in 5.88 × 104 TJ demand for exergy. On the other hand, if used makes are not appropriately handled, they can lead to 4.99 × 105 Pt/yr additional damage to the environment in 2020 as determined by the EDIP 2003. Replacement of fossil-based plastics with bio-based plastics, at rates ranging from 10 to 100%, could mitigate the product's total yearly environmental damage by 4-43%, respectively. Our study calls attention to the environmental sustainability of PPE used to prevent virus transmission in the current and future pandemics.

Effectiveness of face masks for the population.

Background: Health authorities and organizations consider non-medical face masks as an additional passive means to prevent virus diffusion. Communication strategies disseminate information among the population that such masks are essential for mitigating virus diffusion. However, scientific studies are not conclusive in showing the undisputed filtration efficiency of fabric/cloth facial masks (both commercial and homemade). Objectives: This study examines scientific data about the effectiveness of face masks before and during the COVID-19 emergency. Present trends in the making of commercial and homemade fabric/cloth face masks are also examined. Methods: Statistical data of published studies are analyzed and compared. Main considerations and sugge-stions are also extracted and discussed. Current approaches are examined for assessing the characteristics and effectiveness of fabric/cloth commercial and homemade face masks intended for the population. Results: Conflicting data exist as to whether non-medical masks have a protective effect from the spread of respiratory viruses. Both medical masks (MDs) and respiratory personal protection equipment (PPE) show a given effectiveness value. Conclusion: Concerning commercial and homemade fabric/cloth masks, giving general indications on the choice of materials and their assemblage is difficult as it is not possible to assess the effectiveness of the filter media with respect to the kind of multiphase fluid that may be emitted upon breathing, sneezing, or coughing under different environmental conditions. This is particularly important because airflow rate, temperature, humidity, and duration of use will affect the performance of filter media. Moreover, while a mask may have excellent filter media, droplets may leak into the face-piece unless there is an adequate facial seal. In the presence of leaks, any type of mask may actually offer less protection independently of its nominal filtering effìciency.

Face masks. Technical, technological and functional characteristics and hygienic-sanitary aspects related to the use of filtering mask in the community.

INTRODUCTION: The health emergency caused by the spread of SARS-COV-2 virus has required the adoption of passive measures against contagion, such as social distancing. The use of filtering masks, of the different types available on the market, such as surgical and facial filtering masks (FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3), is also recommended. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper, within the Italian and European regulatory reference framework, is to suggest a rational application of existing methodologies that enable to know and assess the features and/or make a face mask intended to be used by the community. In addition to this, the study aims to provide a correct regulatory framework and useful information for a correct use and disposal of face masks. Another purpose is the assessment of the hygienic, sanitary and regulatory aspects related to the use and disposal of face masks. METHODS: The analysis of filtering masks is based on the review of scientific literature, the state of art of technology and the filtering means/materials available. Reference is made to filtering mechanisms and devices, the testing methods, the technical, manufacturing and performance features, and to the Italian and European regulatory reference framework. Reference is also made to the hygienic, sanitary and regulatory aspects related to the use and disposal of face masks. RESULTS: Surgical masks or, alternatively, filtering masks with a filtration efficiency between 90% and 95% for 3-µm particles, are the most practicable choice with minor contraindications. The reusable type of mask is conceptually superior compared to single-use masks, but cleaning procedures to be followed are quite complex and not always described in a clear way. CONCLUSIONS: The definition of rigorous and repeatable tests on mask filtration capacity, breathability, wearability, duration of use, regeneration, as well as safe disposal methods, are the main way to provide users with correct selection and use criteria. The results must be disclosed and disseminated quickly.

Surgical face masks as a potential source for microplastic pollution in the COVID-19 scenario.

Although there have been enormous reports on the microplastic pollution from different plastic products, impacts, controlling mechanisms in recent years, the surgical face masks, made up of polymeric materials, as a source of microplastic pollution potential in the ecosystem are not fully understood and considered yet. Current studies are mostly stated out that microplastics pollution should be a big deal because of their enormous effect on the aquatic biota, and the entire environment. Due to the complicated conditions of the aquatic bodies, microplastics could have multiple effects, and reports so far are still lacking. In addition to real microplastic pollutions which has been known before, face mask as a potential microplastic source could be also researching out, including the management system, in detail. It is noted that face masks are easily ingested by higher organisms, such as fishes, and microorganisms in the aquatic life which will affect the food chain and finally chronic health problems to humans. As a result, microplastic from the face mask should be a focus worldwide.