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What type of face mask should we choose in coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic considering photoprotective effectiveness?


ABSTRACT:

Background

Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective personal protective strategies to diminish the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several dermatological outcomes were reported because of the prolonged use of face masks, especially due to the constant mask-on policy, but the photoprotective effect of face masks has received less attention.

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide guidance in the use of face masks by comparing the photoprotective effects of routinely used masks.

Methods

A total of 12 frequently used face masks were tested, including certified respirators, Korea filter (KF)94, KF-anti-droplet (KF-AD), and KF80. The amount of light that penetrates each face mask was measured using a light sensor that can quantify Ultraviolet A (UVA), visible light (VL), and infrared A (IR-A) rays.

Results

Black-colored KF94 masks and surgical masks reduced penetration of UVA, VL, and IR-A by approximately 100%. The UVA penetration decreased on average by 95.51%, 90.97%, 85.06%, and 86.41% with white-colored KF94, KF-AD, KF80, and surgical masks, respectively. The VL and IR-A were blocked by approximately 75.58%, 66.16%, 59.18%, and 64.48% with white-colored KF94, KF-AD, KF80, and surgical masks, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the different photoprotective effectiveness of face masks was mainly determined by colors, and therefore, black-colored, multi-layered respirators can be recommended in terms of photoprotection in the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantified comparative results will be helpful to the person with pre-existing photo-aggravated dermatosis, especially in the season of the high intensity of sunlight.

SUBMITTER: Park SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9115536 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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What type of face mask should we choose in coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic considering photoprotective effectiveness?

Park Sung Jin SJ   Cho Jun Hyuk JH   Ham Min Seok MS   Seo Soo Hong SH   Ahn Hyo Hyun HH   Kim Dai Hyun DH  

Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine 20220410 6


<h4>Background</h4>Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective personal protective strategies to diminish the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several dermatological outcomes were reported because of the prolonged use of face masks, especially due to the constant mask-on policy, but the photoprotective effect of face masks has received less attention.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of this study was to provide guidance in the use of face masks by comparing the photoprotective effect  ...[more]

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