Performance of Filtration Efficiency, Pressure Drop and Total Inward Leakage in Anti-yellow Sand Masks, Quarantine Masks, Medical Masks, General Masks and Handkerchiefs

Abstract

Objective In these days, anti-yellow sand mask, quarantine mask, medical mask during foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and even handkerchief are used with a belief that it can protect wearer, vary widely in style, and can be found in a broad range of markets, hospital and health care settings. Still little data has been published about the effectiveness of these masks while wearer is rapidly increasing in hospitals year around or during an episodic period for general citizens. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the filtration efficiency and pressure drop of various types of masks mentioned above and to compare the test results using MFDS protocol and NIOSH protocol. In this study, we also evaluate the facial fit test of anti-yellow sand masks and quarantine masks using MFDS protocol. Methods For filtration efficiency and pressure drop test, after consultation with several health care workers, we selected a total of fortyfour different models approved by the MFDS along with non-approved commercially available anti-yellow sand mask, quarantine mask, medical mask, general mask, and handkerchief. The two TSI 8130 Automatic Filter Testers, which were designed in compliance with MFDS protocol and NIOSH protocol, were used for NaCl Initial and loading tests. 6 samples of each model, 3 for MFDS protocol and 3 for NIOSH protocol, were tested. For TIL test, we selected a total of five masks

three anti-yellow sand mask and two quarantine mask. Tested masks were shown greatest filtration ability at filtration efficiency and pressure drop test. TIL test had been established in compliance with the MFDS regulations and guidelines for anti-yellow sand mask and quarantine mask criteria. Results Wide variation of filtration efficiency and pressure drop values were observed by mask types. The lowest average filtration efficiency was measured in the quarantine mask. This was followed in order by the anti-yellow sand mask, the medical mask, the general mask, and the handkerchief. No significant difference in filtration efficiency was noted between the MFDS protocol and the NIOSH protocol. However, the pressure drop values was significantly different between mask types in both the MFDS protocol and NIOSH protocols. In case of TIL test, TIL values of anti-yellow sand mask and quarantine mask were significantly higher than filtration efficiency values. All anti-yellow sand mask and one of the quarantine mask shown low TIL values than MFDS criterion. But the other quarantine mask exceeded MFDS criterion. Conclusion Quarantine mask shown the greatest itself filtration efficiency than other masks. However, when the test panel wear the masks to validate TIL values, because of one of the quarantine mask is not well fitted to facial skin and masks, anti-yellow sand masks shown the lowest TIL values than other masks. To reduce the risk for general citizens, MFDS need to do quality control system and need to reexamine the test protocol for anti-yellow sand masks, quarantine masks and other masks which is can used by general citizens in Korea.