[ad_1]
A new study from Georgia Tech has found that wearing a face mask can protect you and others from COVID-19, but the number of layers of fabric and the type of fabric used can have a huge impact on the body. risk of exposure.
Nga Lee (Sally) Ng, who is an associate professor and Tanner researcher in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, said that the filtration efficiency of submicron particles moving through a variety of materials was calculated in this analysis. A human hair is approximately 50 microns in diameter, while a millimeter is equivalent to 1000 microns. She explained, “A submicronic particle can stay in the air for hours and days, depending on the ventilation, so if you have a room that is not ventilated or poorly ventilated, these small particles can stay there for a very long time. “
Georgia study reveals ‘fabric layers and material choice over COVID-19 mask material’
The research was conducted in April 2020, when the pandemic forced the closure of most institutions around the world. Many citizens have been forced to make their own homemade masks due to the extreme shortage of personal protective equipment in their communities. Ng recalled that Georgia Tech was able to set up the analysis quickly because it already had a “perfect method to measure filtration performance using existing laboratory instruments.”
Along with the research results reported in the journal Aerosol Science and Technology on March 22, the results were used to shape the recommendations for homemade masks in April of last year.
The researchers tested a total of 33 commercially available materials, including single-layer woven fabrics such as cotton and mixed fabrics, woven polyester, non-woven materials, commonly used materials, cellulose-based materials and found in hospitals, and various filter materials, in addition to cloth fabrics. “We learned that there was a lot of variability infiltration performance even in the same type of material,” Ng said.
Ryan Lively, who is Associate Professor and John H Woody Faculty Fellow in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, said: “We have found commercially available materials that provide acceptable levels of submicronic particle rejection while retaining resistance to airflow similar to a surgical mask. the materials combine the density of fabric fibers, a labyrinth-like structure and fiber surface chemistry to effectively reject submicron particles. “
Blackout drapes and sterilization wrappers are the best performing materials for the COVID-19 mask
Blackout drapes and sterilization wrappers, which are typically used to wrap surgical instruments, were the best performing materials for homemade masks. Both products are available for purchase. People should avoid using HEPA / MERV filters or vacuum bags unless they are certified fiber-free, the researchers say, because these filters can emit glass fibers that can be inhaled. Loose knit material, fleece, fleece, felt, and shiny, reusable shopping bags are all materials to avoid for masks.
Multilayer samples greatly outperformed single layer samples, but breathability must be taken into account. For submicron particles, the filtration performance of the two and three layer samples tested was approximately 50%. Particles can easily escape through holes in the nose or sides of the mask, so proper fit of the mask is essential.
When a person wears a properly fitted multi-layered mask, they reject 84% of the particles expelled by that person. When two people wear these masks, particle transmission is reduced by 96%. The value of wearing a universal mask was the end result of the study.
Ng asserted, “The best way to protect ourselves and others is to reduce exhaled particles at the source, and the source is our face. It really gets louder when everyone starts wearing masks. Not everyone understands the importance of transmitting airborne viruses. It is important to wear a mask. Ng added, “I hope the practice will continue to help reduce the release of these viral particles into the environment and protect others.” are sick and must be in public.
(with ANI entries)
(Photo credit: Unsplash / Featured Image)
[ad_2]
Source link
