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Do They Really Work? Quantifying Fabric Mask Effectiveness to Improve Public Health Messaging

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Freeman

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Reuben Burch

    (Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
    Human Factors & Athlete Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA)

  • Lesley Strawderman

    (Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Catherine Black

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • David Saucier

    (Human Factors & Athlete Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA)

  • Jaime Rickert

    (Institute for Clean Energy and Technology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA)

  • John Wilson

    (Institute for Clean Energy and Technology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA)

  • Holli Seitz

    (Department of Communication, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Jeffrey Stull

    (International Personal Protection, Incorporated, Austin, TX 78709, USA)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare masks (non-medical/fabric, surgical, and N95 respirators) on filtration efficiency, differential pressure, and leakage with the goal of providing evidence to improve public health messaging. Masks were tested on an anthropometric face filtration mount, comparing both sealed and unsealed. Overall, surgical and N95 respirators provided significantly higher filtration efficiency (FE) and differential pressure (dP). Leakage comparisons are one of the most significant factors in mask efficiency. Higher weight and thicker fabric masks had significantly higher filtration efficiency. The findings of this study have important implications for communication and education regarding the use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, specifically the differences between sealed and unsealed masks. The type and fabric of facial masks and whether a mask is sealed or unsealed has a significant impact on the effectiveness of a mask. Findings related to differences between sealed and unsealed masks are of critical importance for health care workers. If a mask is not completely sealed around the edges of the wearer, FE for this personal protective equipment is misrepresented and may create a false sense of security. These results can inform efforts to educate health care workers and the public on the importance of proper mask fit.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Freeman & Reuben Burch & Lesley Strawderman & Catherine Black & David Saucier & Jaime Rickert & John Wilson & Holli Seitz & Jeffrey Stull, 2022. "Do They Really Work? Quantifying Fabric Mask Effectiveness to Improve Public Health Messaging," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6372-:d:822730
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Charles Freeman & Reuben Burch & Lesley Strawderman & Catherine Black & David Saucier & Jaime Rickert & John Wilson & Sarah Ashley Bealor & Madison Ratledge & Sydney Fava & Brian Smith & Charlie Waggo, 2021. "Preliminary Evaluation of Filtration Efficiency and Differential Pressure ASTM F3502 Testing Methods of Non-Medical Masks Using a Face Filtration Mount," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Silvia Chiera & Alessandro Cristoforetti & Luca Benedetti & Giandomenico Nollo & Luca Borro & Lorenzo Mazzei & Francesco Tessarolo, 2022. "A Simple Method to Quantify Outward Leakage of Medical Face Masks and Barrier Face Coverings: Implication for the Overall Filtration Efficiency," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-20, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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