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A Review of Filtration Performance of Protective Masks

Author

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  • Ao-Bing Wang

    (Hebei Key Laboratory of Man-machine Environmental Thermal Control Technology and Equipment, Filtration Performance and Environmental Health of Protective Materials, Xingtai 054000, China
    Advanced Research Center of Thermal and New Energy Technologies, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai 054000, China)

  • Xin Zhang

    (Hebei Key Laboratory of Man-machine Environmental Thermal Control Technology and Equipment, Filtration Performance and Environmental Health of Protective Materials, Xingtai 054000, China
    Advanced Research Center of Thermal and New Energy Technologies, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai 054000, China)

  • Li-Jun Gao

    (Hebei Key Laboratory of Man-machine Environmental Thermal Control Technology and Equipment, Filtration Performance and Environmental Health of Protective Materials, Xingtai 054000, China
    Advanced Research Center of Thermal and New Energy Technologies, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai 054000, China)

  • Tao Zhang

    (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

  • Hui-Juan Xu

    (Hebei Key Laboratory of Man-machine Environmental Thermal Control Technology and Equipment, Filtration Performance and Environmental Health of Protective Materials, Xingtai 054000, China
    Advanced Research Center of Thermal and New Energy Technologies, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai 054000, China)

  • Yan-Jun Bi

    (Hebei Key Laboratory of Man-machine Environmental Thermal Control Technology and Equipment, Filtration Performance and Environmental Health of Protective Materials, Xingtai 054000, China
    Advanced Research Center of Thermal and New Energy Technologies, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai 054000, China)

Abstract

Masks are essential and effective small protective devices used to protect the general public against infections such as COVID-19. However, available systematic reviews and summaries on the filtration performance of masks are lacking. Therefore, in order to investigate the filtration performance of masks, filtration mechanisms, mask characteristics, and the relationships between influencing factors and protective performance were first analyzed through mask evaluations. The summary of filtration mechanisms and mask characteristics provides readers with a clear and easy-to-understand theoretical cognition. Then, a detailed analysis of influencing factors and the relationships between the influencing factors and filtration performance is presented in. The influence of the aerosol size and type on filtration performance is nonlinear and nonconstant, and filtration efficiency decreases with an increase in the gas flow rate; moreover, fitness plays a decisive role in the protective effects of masks. It is recommended that the public should wear surgical masks to prevent COVID-19 infection in low-risk and non-densely populated areas. Future research should focus on fitness tests, and the formulation of standards should also be accelerated. This paper provides a systematic review that will be helpful for the design of masks and public health in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2346-:d:1049696
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. Kamyar Shirvanimoghaddam & Bożena Czech & Ram Yadav & Cemile Gokce & Laura Fusco & Lucia Gemma Delogu & Açelya Yilmazer & Graham Brodie & Amani Al-Othman & Adil K. Al-Tamimi & Jarret Grout & Minoo Nae, 2022. "Facemask Global Challenges: The Case of Effective Synthesis, Utilization, and Environmental Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-29, January.
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