A comparison of performance metrics for cloth face masks as source control devices for simulated cough and exhalation aerosols.

ABSTRACT: Universal mask wearing is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help control the spread of COVID-19. Masks reduce the expulsion of respiratory aerosols (called source control) and offer some protection to the wearer. However, masks vary greatly in their designs and construction materials, and it is not clear which are most effective. Our study tested 15 reusable cloth masks (which included face masks, neck gaiters, and bandanas), two medical masks, and two N95 filtering facepiece respirators as source control devices for aerosols ≤ 7 µm produced during simulated coughing and exhalation. These measurements were compared with the mask filtration efficiencies, airflow resistances, and fit factors. The source control collection efficiencies for the cloth masks ranged

SUBMITTER: Lindsley WG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7899465 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature