Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the population in Germany has been asked to wear face masks in public areas. The masks are accepted by the public. People with a pollen allergy have an interest in knowing whether masks can also provide protection against pollen and thus prevent symptoms even without medication.

Method

In order to evaluate the potential 'antipollen effect' of face masks, 14 adults with confirmed grass pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were exposed to grass pollen for a period of two hours following a standardised protocol. The test was conducted outside of the grass pollen season. The subjects wore either no mask, a medical mask or a FFP2 mask.

Results

Subjects wearing either mask were clearly able to avoid both nasa

SUBMITTER: Bergmann KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8278371 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature