Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shui Hu, Hongchi Tian, Shijia Zhang, Dan Wang, Guozhuo Gong, Weihua Yue, Keyang Liu, Song Hong, Rui Wang, Qingqing Yuan, Yonglai Lu, Dong Wang, Liqun Zhang, Jianfeng Chen
Summary: This study fabricated high-performance meltblown polypropylene face masks and investigated the effects of six commonly used disinfection methods and mask-wearing periods on their reusability. The results showed that hot water treatment at 70 degrees C for 30 minutes maintained the mask's particle filtration efficiency (PFE) after three cycles. After wearing the mask for 24 hours and disinfection using the same treatment, the PFE decreased to 91.3%, which still exceeded the standard for reusable masks. Schlieren photography demonstrated the masks' effectiveness in suppressing the spread of breathed air during use.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Attila Geczy, Gergo Havellant, Reka Batorfi, Agata Skwarek, Karel Dusek, David Busek, Balazs Illes
Summary: The COVID-19 outbreak led to increased demand for personal protective respirator masks. Textile masks made from cloth materials emerged as a sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective alternative available globally. This study used laser-based particle counting to evaluate the filtering efficiency of eleven different commercially available textile materials in various configurations. Results showed that while most materials fell below acceptable standards in single-layer configurations, their efficiency significantly improved when tested in two or three layers, reaching or surpassing the standard for medical masks.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Laine Alby, Ajay Jayswal, Sarah Morris, Will McAtee, Vrishank Raghav, Sabit Adanur
Summary: Novel cloth face masks with superior filtration efficiency, improved breathability, and reduced leakage compared to surgical masks have been developed and tested. These masks also showed similar filtration efficiency to N95 masks, while not affecting heart rate, blood oxygen levels, or causing any additional strain on wearers. They are believed to be an effective measure for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and provide an environmentally and economically conscious alternative to N95 respirators.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanqiang Xu, Xiaomin Zhang, Xibo Hao, Defang Teng, Tienan Zhao, Yongchun Zeng
Summary: The study successfully designed and prepared masks with excellent filtration performance and radiative heat dissipation effect, which can efficiently filter PM while reducing pressure drop, providing high radiative cooling power and thermal comfort. This mask design opens up new directions for the development of thermal comfort materials for personal protection.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yu Zhang, Man Hu, Junwu Wang, Pingchuan Wang, Pengzhi Shi, Wenjie Zhao, Xin Liu, Qing Peng, Bo Meng, Xinmin Feng, Liang Zhang
Summary: COVID-19 has emerged as a global public health threat, and studying the use of PPE and scientific influence is crucial in overcoming the pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Ruben Fuentes-Alvarez, Mariel Alfaro-Ponce, Fanny Alvarado, Jessica Aidee Mora-Galvan, Rita Q. Fuentes-Aguilar, Ivan Matehuala-Moran
Summary: The research focuses on the design, development, and validation of a health personnel protection system to address the shortage of personal protective equipment globally. The system includes a diving mask, a 3D printed adapter, and a bidirectional High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, and has been tested in an Intensive Care Unit for COVID-19 patients in Mexico City.
IEEE LATIN AMERICA TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Elham Jafari, Mansoureh Togha, Hossein Kazemizadeh, Samaneh Haghighi, Somayeh Nasergivehchi, Mohammad Saatchi, Shadi Ariyanfar
Summary: This study found that headache after using PPE is common among healthcare workers, with a prevalence rate of 72.4%. N95 mask was the most commonly reported cause of headache (41%), and headache was more common in females. Increased heart rate was significantly associated with headache due to mask use.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Nkemjika Abiakam, Peter Worsley, Hemalatha Jayabal, Kay Mitchell, Michaela Jones, Jacqui Fletcher, Fran Spratt, Dan Bader
Summary: The study found that prolonged use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to various adverse skin reactions among healthcare workers, particularly in different facial locations such as the bridge of the nose and ears. Improvement in guidelines for PPE usage to protect skin health is recommended, along with modifications to PPE designs to accommodate different face shapes and select appropriate materials to enhance device safety.
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammad Abbas Uddin, Shaila Afroj, Tahmid Hasan, Chris Carr, Kostya S. Novoselov, Nazmul Karim
Summary: Personal protective clothing is crucial for shielding users from highly infectious diseases, but the environmental impacts of single-use plastic-based protective clothing are significant. Despite environmental concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of disposable protective clothing, potentially exacerbating oceanic plastic pollution. Therefore, fundamental changes in business models are needed to address these issues, such as increasing the use of reusable protective clothing.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Faisal Javid, Xing Xin, Jose G. B. Derraik, William A. Anderson, Yvonne Anderson, Saeid Baroutian
Summary: This study investigated the non-catalytic hydrothermal deconstruction of different types of personal protective equipment, and found that it effectively reduced solid content and chemical oxygen demand, while producing organic acids and ammonia nitrogen. Therefore, non-catalytic hydrothermal deconstruction is a viable method for processing and managing PPE waste.
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Ortega, M. Calero, N. Rico, M. A. Martin-Lara
Summary: The study aims to monitor the presence of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) waste and other plastic debris on the coastal areas of Granada, Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed significant amounts of plastic and PPE debris, with higher presence on touristic/recreational beaches compared to fishing beaches. This study provides important insights for addressing this issue.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Jesus de la Torre Bayo, Maria Angeles Martin-Lara, Monica Calero Hoces, Pedro Miguel Sanchez Castillo, Hector J. Pula, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Using science mapping, we analyzed the increasing number of scientific documents on the negative environmental impacts of PPE waste, particularly face masks, used for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. India, China, and Canada emerged as leaders in this research field, focusing on environmental issues and engineering solutions. Our analysis highlighted the significant negative effects of PPE waste on aquatic ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, and wildlife. To address these impacts, innovative ecodesign strategies for green production, reuse, and recycling, as well as collaboration with the public to reduce waste at its source, are essential. Implementing a collective, extended producer responsibility system for PPE can ensure sustainable production and consumption, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anja Pogacnik Krajnc, Luka Pirker, Urska Gradisar Centa, Anton Gradisek, Igor B. Mekjavic, Matej Godnic, Metod Cebasek, Tina Bregant, Maja Remskar
Summary: The efficiency of different protective respiratory masks in removing particles of various sizes was tested, showing high filtration efficiency for FFP2, FFP3, and certified surgical masks. However, the protection efficiency of washable masks depends on their constituent fabrics. The particle removal efficiency of masks decreases over time due to transmission of nanoparticles, while the fabric's efficiency increases due to aerosol deposition.
Review
Polymer Science
Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas, Elisa Helena Siegel Moecke, Ana Paula Provin, Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra, Marina Medeiros Machado, Isabel C. Gouveia
Summary: The period from 2019 to 2022 saw a surge in demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Improper disposal and lack of consideration for environmental impact have raised concerns regarding PPE waste management. This article examines the increased demand for PPE, waste management practices, and the importance of exploring environmentally friendly alternatives.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fernando G. Torres, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in consumption of PPE, particularly single-use face masks. Innovative approaches are needed to manage and recycle PPE to reduce environmental impacts. Daily face mask waste generation in Peru is significant, highlighting the challenges in solid waste management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)