Can disposable masks be worn more than once?
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Chen H
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9301359 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Can disposable masks be worn more than once?
Chen Hao H Samet James M JM Tong Haiyan H Abzhanova Aiman A Rappold Ana G AG Prince Steven E SE
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 20220721
Disposable facemasks are a primary tool to prevent the transmission of SARS-COV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, plastic waste generated from their disposal represents a significant environmental problem that can be reduced by maximizing the service life of disposable masks. We evaluated the effect of repeated wearing on the fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of N95, KF94, KN95, and procedure/surgical masks. The FFEs of masks were compared following extended wearing with and without wash ...[more]
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