Filtration efficiency of different protective masks against viral aerosols

Type de document

Études primaires

Année de publication

2025

Langue

Anglais

Titre de la revue

Aerosol Science and Technology

Première page

227

Dernière page

237

Résumé

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, masks were widely used to reduce the spread of the virus through aerosols and droplets. While these are generally tested in laboratories for their effectiveness against particles and bacteria, their efficiency against viruses is seldom evaluated. Given the absence of standardized rules governing filtration efficiency against viruses, this study sought to examine how various types of masks perform against virus-containing polydisperse aerosols. Additionally, it aimed at assessing the consistency of mask filtration performances under similar test conditions, considering the heterogeneous nature of the standards for particles. Masks’ filtration efficiencies were determined using a wind tunnel specially designed for this kind of testing. Bacteriophages were used as a proxy for human viruses. Overall, the viral filtration efficiency was higher than that of particles. No significant difference was observed between infectious and total viruses. Particulate filtration performance varied among masks compared to their standard requirements. Filtration efficiency testing should report the specific size used whether it was tested with mono- or polydisperse aerosols to gain a clearer understanding of their effectiveness.

Mots-clés

Aérosol, Aerosol, Essai de filtres, Filter testing, Équipement de protection respiratoire, Respirator, Maladie virale, Virus disease, Soufflerie, Wind tunnel

Numéro de projet IRSST

2017-0004

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