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Preliminary Evaluation of Filtration Efficiency and Differential Pressure ASTM F3502 Testing Methods of Non-Medical Masks Using a Face Filtration Mount

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Freeman

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Reuben Burch

    (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Lesley Strawderman

    (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Catherine Black

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • David Saucier

    (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Jaime Rickert

    (Institute Clean Energy and Technology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • John Wilson

    (Institute Clean Energy and Technology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Sarah Ashley Bealor

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Madison Ratledge

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Sydney Fava

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Brian Smith

    (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Charlie Waggoner

    (Institute Clean Energy and Technology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Courtney Taylor

    (Workforce and Economic Development, Golden Triangle Campus, East Mississippi Community College, Mayhew, MS 39753, USA)

  • Abigail Nichols

    (School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Gregory Skaggs

    (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa, FL 33607, USA)

  • Thomas Callans

    (Department of Athletics, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

Abstract

Research surrounding the mandated use of non-medical fabric masks is inconsistent and often confusing when compared to the standard N95. A recently published standard from ASTM International and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attempts to normalize evaluation procedures. The purpose of this study is to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the new methods for testing filtration efficiency of masks outlined by ASTM International F3502, where results can be directly compared to standards outlined for non-medical fabric masks. Eleven consumer non-medical fabric masks were tested for filtration efficiency and airflow resistance using a face filtration mount in accordance with the newly released ASTM International standard for facial barriers. The mean FE% (SD) ranged from 0.46% (0.44) to 11.80% (2.76) with the 3-layer athletic mesh having the highest performance and the highest deviations. All the masks tested following the procedure failed to meet to minimum FE of 20%; however all masks performed below the minimum upper limits for airflow resistance. Using a non-medical fabric masks as the sole mitigation strategy may not be as effective, as previously reported. With efforts to standardize and regulate the non-medical fabric mask market, this study demonstrates a variety of currently available consumer mask products do not meet the minimum standards nor are these remotely close to the standards of surgical or N95 masks.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Freeman & Reuben Burch & Lesley Strawderman & Catherine Black & David Saucier & Jaime Rickert & John Wilson & Sarah Ashley Bealor & Madison Ratledge & Sydney Fava & Brian Smith & Charlie Waggo, 2021. "Preliminary Evaluation of Filtration Efficiency and Differential Pressure ASTM F3502 Testing Methods of Non-Medical Masks Using a Face Filtration Mount," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4124-:d:535557
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Charles Freeman & Reuben Burch & Lesley Strawderman & Catherine Black & David Saucier & Jaime Rickert & John Wilson & Holli Seitz & Jeffrey Stull, 2022. "Do They Really Work? Quantifying Fabric Mask Effectiveness to Improve Public Health Messaging," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, May.
    2. Ao-Bing Wang & Xin Zhang & Li-Jun Gao & Tao Zhang & Hui-Juan Xu & Yan-Jun Bi, 2023. "A Review of Filtration Performance of Protective Masks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-23, January.

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