Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Evaluation of the Filtration Efficiency and Facial Inhalation Resistance of Various Commercial Masks

시중에 판매되는 다양한 비인증 마스크의 분진 포집효율과 안면부 흡기저항 평가

  • Kang, Sohyun (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kim, Soomin (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Yoon, Chung Sik (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Lee, Kiyoung (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
  • 강소현 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 김수민 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 윤충식 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과) ;
  • 이기영 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과)
  • Received : 2021.05.24
  • Accepted : 2021.06.18
  • Published : 2021.06.30
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Abstract

Objectives: Wearing medical masks has been recommended since the declaration of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) as a pandemic disease. Certified medical masks are evaluated according to filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance. However, some people use non-certified common masks. This study aimed to evaluate various non-certified commercial masks based on the certification criteria for medical masks. Methods: Twenty mask products (three anti-droplet, three disposable dental, eight fashion, three cotton, and three children's masks) were selected. For performance evaluation, filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance tests were conducted. The evaluation method followed the certification method for KF-certified masks of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the N95 respirator of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Results: None of the 20 masks met the KF94 certification standard set by the MFDS. Four and three masks respectively met the KF80 certification standard and the N95 standard of NIOSH. Filtration efficiency was significantly higher in three-layer masks than in single layer masks. Pleated-type masks had higher filtration efficiency than cone-type masks. There was no correlation between the structure of masks and facial inhalation resistance. Conclusion: While no masks complied with the KF94 certification standard, a few masks met the KF80 and the N95 certification standards of NIOSH. Although some people wear non-certified commercial masks, protection from aerosols is not guaranteed by such masks. Evaluation of the protection efficiency of non-certified mask against microbiological infection is needed for the prevention of infectious disease.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 논문은 서울대학교 도부학술장학금, 2021년 대한민국 교육부와 한국연구재단의 지원(BK21 FOUR5199990214126)을 받아 수행된 연구입니다. 또한 실험 장비 지원 및 실험실을 제공해 주신 도부라이프텍(주)에 감사드립니다.

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