After the first Omicron wave, research shows that many of the risks of Covid infection changed Before February 2022, always wearing face masks and being retired were associated with reduced risk, but not after Overseas travel was not associated with increased risk prior to February 2022, but then became a significant risk Peer reviewed – meta-regression- humans New… Continue reading Wearing face #masks did not reduce risk of #COVID infection after first Omicron wave, research shows
Tag: face-masks
Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
...We included 11 new RCTs and cluster‐RCTs (610,872 participants) in this update, bringing the total number of RCTs to 78. Six of the new trials were conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic; two from Mexico, and one each from Denmark, Bangladesh, England, and Norway. We identified four ongoing studies, of which one is completed, but unreported, evaluating masks… Continue reading Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
Mask mandate and use efficacy for COVID-19 containment in US States
Background: COVID-19 pandemic mitigation requires evidence-based strategies. Because COVID-19 can spread via respired droplets, most US states mandated mask use in public settings. Randomized control trials have not clearly demonstrated mask efficacy against respiratory viruses, and observational studies conflict on whether mask use predicts lower infection rates. We hypothesized that statewide mask mandates and mask… Continue reading Mask mandate and use efficacy for COVID-19 containment in US States
Unravelling the role of the mandatory use of face covering masks for the control of SARS-CoV-2 in schools: a quasi-experimental study nested in a population-based cohort in Catalonia (Spain)
Objective To assess the effectiveness of mandatory use of face covering masks (FCMs) in schools during the first term of the 2021–2022 academic year.Design A retrospective population-based study.Setting Schools in Catalonia (Spain).Population 599 314 children aged 3–11 years attending preschool (3–5 years, without FCM mandate) and primary education (6–11 years, with FCM mandate).Study period From 13 September to 22 December 2021… Continue reading Unravelling the role of the mandatory use of face covering masks for the control of SARS-CoV-2 in schools: a quasi-experimental study nested in a population-based cohort in Catalonia (Spain)
Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water. Four types of masks including… Continue reading Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water
Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a suspected human carcinogen when inhaled, fiber-grade TiO2 (nano)particles were demonstrated in synthetic textile fibers of face masks intended for the general public. STEM-EDX analysis on sections of a variety of single use and reusable face masks visualized agglomerated near-spherical TiO2 particles in non-woven fabrics, polyester, polyamide and bi-component fibers. Median sizes… Continue reading Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control
Effects of wearing FFP2 masks on SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in classrooms
Importance: Different mitigation measures are mandated in schools worldwide to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The efficacy of most measures, however, has not been investigated thus far. Objective: To investigate the usefulness of FFP-2 masks in classrooms to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Design: A retrospective comparative cohort study of infection rates (evaluated by PCR… Continue reading Effects of wearing FFP2 masks on SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in classrooms
Bacterial and fungal isolation from face masks under the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has led people to wear face masks daily in public. Although the effectiveness of face masks against viral transmission has been extensively studied, there have been few reports on potential hygiene issues due to bacteria and fungi attached to the face masks. We aimed to (1) quantify and identify the bacteria and… Continue reading Bacterial and fungal isolation from face masks under the COVID-19 pandemic
Carbon dioxide rises beyond acceptable safety levels in children under nose and mouth covering: Results of an experimental measurement study in healthy children
AbstractNose and mouth covering (NMC) has been made compulsory for children in many countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. We wanted to determine the average CO2 levels in inhaled air with NMC in children between age 6 and 17. We used short term measurements under surgical masks and FFP2 masks according to European norm EN 149,… Continue reading Carbon dioxide rises beyond acceptable safety levels in children under nose and mouth covering: Results of an experimental measurement study in healthy children
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