Effectiveness of different types of mask in aerosol dispersion in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Int J Infect Dis
; 109: 310-314, 2021 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1345352
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effectiveness of different mask types in limiting the dispersal of coughed air.METHOD:
The Schlieren method with a single curved mirror was used in this study. Coughed air has a slightly higher temperature than ambient air, which generates a refractive index gradient. A curved mirror with a radius of curvature of 10 m and a diameter of 60 cm was used. The spread of the cough wavefront was investigated among five subjects wearing (1) no mask; (2) a single surgical mask; (3) a double surgical mask; (4) a cloth mask; (5) a valveless N95 mask; and (6) a valved N95 mask.RESULTS:
All mask types reduced the size of the contaminated region significantly. The percentage reduction in the cross-sectional area of the contaminated region for the same mask types on different subjects revealed by normalized data suggests that the fit of a mask plays an important role.CONCLUSIONS:
No significant difference in the spread of coughed air was found between the use of a single surgical mask or a double surgical mask. Cloth masks may be effective, depending on the quality of the cloth. Valved N95 masks exclusively protect the user. The fit of a mask is an important factor to minimize the contaminated region.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Int J Infect Dis
Journal subject:
Communicable Diseases
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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