Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

COVID-19: Brief Report

Particle Filtration Efficiency Testing of Sterilization Wrap Masks: Destiny F. Chau, Patrick O'Shaughnessy, Michael L. Schmitz; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(1):31-36. Published online December 22, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.20.394

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Objectives
Non-traditional materials are used for mask construction to address personal protective equipment shortages during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Reusable masks made from surgical sterilization wrap represent such an innovative approach with social media frequently referring to them as “N95 alternatives.” This material was tested for particle filtration efficiency and breathability to clarify what role they might have in infection prevention and control.
Methods
A heavyweight, double layer sterilization wrap was tested when new and after 2, 4, 6, and 10 autoclave sterilizing cycles and compared with an approved N95 respirator and a surgical mask via testing procedures using a sodium chloride aerosol for N95 efficiency testing similar to 42 CFR 84.181. Pressure testing to indicate breathability was also conducted.
Results
The particle filtration efficiency for the sterilization wrap ranged between 58% to 66%, with similar performance when new and after sterilizing cycles. The N95 respirator and surgical mask performed at 95% and 68% respectively. Pressure drops for the sterilization wrap, N95 and surgical mask were 10.4 mmH₂O, 5.9 mmH₂O, and 5.1 mmH₂O, respectively, well below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health limits of 35 mmH₂O during initial inhalation and 25 mmH₂O during initial exhalation.
Conclusions
The sterilization wrap’s particle filtration efficiency is much lower than a N95 respirator, but falls within the range of a surgical mask, with acceptable breathability. Performance testing of non-traditional mask materials is crucial to determine potential protection efficacy and for correcting misinterpretation propagated through popular media.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond ou Tecido-Não-Tecido para proteção respiratória de trabalhadores da saúde
Francieli Faustino, Helenize Ferreira Lima Leachi, Aline Franco Da Rocha, Renata Perfeito Ribeiro
Revista SOBECC.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

English Abstract

Determinants of Sterilization among Married Couples in Korea.: Ju Hee Kim, Woojin Chung, Sunmi Lee, Moonhee Suh, Dae Ryong Kang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2007;40(6):461-466.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2007.40.6.461

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of sterilization in South Korea. METHODS: This study was based on the data from the Korea National Fertility Survey carried out in the year 2000 by the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs. The subjects of the analysis were 4,604 women and their husbands who were in their first marriage, in the age group of 15-49 years. The data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Consistent with the findings of previous studies, the woman's age and the number of total children increased the likelihood of sterilization. In addition, the year of marriage had a strong positive association with sterilization. Interestingly, the number of surviving sons tended to increase the likelihood of sterilization, whereas the woman's education level and age at the time of marriage showed a negative association with sterilization. Religion, place of residence, son preference, and the husband's education level, age and type of occupation were not significant determinants of sterilization. CONCLUSIONS: The sex of previous children and lower level of education are distinct determinants of sterilization among women in South Korea. More studies are needed in order to determine the associations between sterilization rate and decreased fertility.; Summary

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