The effect of activity and face masks on exhaled particles in children.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Despite the high burden of respiratory infections among children, the production of exhaled particles during common activities and the efficacy of face masks in children have not been sufficiently studied.

Objective

To determine the effect of type of activity and mask usage on exhaled particle production in children.

Methods

Healthy children were asked to perform activities that ranged in intensity (breathing quietly, speaking, singing, coughing, and sneezing) while wearing no mask, a cloth mask, or a surgical mask. The concentration and size of exhaled particles were assessed during each activity.

Results

Twenty-three children were enrolled in the study. Average exhaled particle concentration increased by intensity of activity, with the lowest parti

SUBMITTER: Moschovis PP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10262878 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature