An accessible method for screening aerosol filtration identifies poor-performing commercial masks and respirators

摘要: BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has presented an acute shortage of regulation-tested masks. Many of the alternatives available to hospitals have not been certified, leaving uncertainty about their ability to properly protect healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 transmission.ObjectiveFor situations where regulatory methods are not accessible, we present experimental methods to evaluate mask filtration and breathability quickly via cost-effective approaches (e.g., ~$2000 USD) that could be replicated in communities of need without extensive infrastructure. We demonstrate the need for screening by evaluating an existing diverse inventory of masks/respirators from a local hospital.MethodsTwo experimental approaches are presented to examine both aerosol filtration and flow impedance (i.e., breathability). For one of the approaches (“quick assessment”), screening for appropriate filtration could be performed …