VOC emissions from particle filtering half masks - methods, risks and need for further action.

ABSTRACT: Investigations into volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from polymer fleeces used in particle filtering half masks were conducted and evaluated against the German hygienic guide value for total volatile organic compounds and the "Lowest Concentration of Interest" for construction products. All masks showed emission of Xylene. In 94 % of samples, up to 24 additional aromatic compounds were found. 17 % of samples showed terpenes, 53 % emitted aldehydes, 77 % exhibited caprolactam and 98 % released siloxanes. All masks exceeded the TVOC hygienic guidance value level 5 of 10 mg/m³. Emission levels were investigated for masks immediately after their packages were opened and for masks that were "vented" for two weeks. Further, the emissions were repeatedly measured to investigate the decre

SUBMITTER: Kerkeling S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8278222 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature