Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Dust Collection Efficiency, Inhalation Pressure, and CO2 Concentration in Health Masks

보건용 마스크의 분진포집효율, 흡기저항 및 CO2 농도

  • Han, Don-Hee (Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Inje University) ;
  • Kim, Il Soon (Chief Executive Officer, Dobu Life Tech Co., Ltd.)
  • Received : 2019.12.17
  • Accepted : 2020.02.07
  • Published : 2020.02.29
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Abstract

Objectives: To identify the degree of physical burden, a determination was undertaken of dust collection efficiency, inhalation pressure, and CO2 concentration related to health masks certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Methods: Twenty health masks were purchased on the market. Dust collection efficiency and inhalation pressure were determined in the same manner as in MFDS certification testing, respectively using TSI Model 8130 (TSI, U.S.) and ART Plus (Korea). CO2 concentrations for 20 subjects using a CO2 analyzer (G100, G150, Geotechnical Instrument Ltd., UK) were measured with a similar method as a total inward leakage test. In addition to CO2 levels, dead space volumes in the masks was determined for predicting concentrations of CO2 in inhalation air. Results: Most of the dust collection efficiencies found for the 20 masks were far higher than the standard. Four KF94s met KF99 and four KF80s even met KF94. Most inhalation pressures were also much lower than the standard, with many almost one-half of the standard. The mean and standard deviation of CO2 concentration in the mask were 2.9±0.44%. Considering dead volume, the prediction for CO2 concentration in the inhalation air was 4,395±1,266 ppm. Conclusions: For healthy men and women, the dust collection efficiency and inhalation pressure of health masks were not at a level that would affect their health. Although CO2 levels in the inhalation air were predicted not to affect health, research on the physiological effects of health masks on Koreans is needed for more precise research.

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