Tag: face-masks

Mask mandate and use efficacy for COVID-19 containment in US States

On By aledopressIn Environment, Infectivology, Uncategorized

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) 

On By aledopressIn Infectivology

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

On By aledopressIn Infectivology

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 …

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Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control

On By aledopressIn Environment, Infectivology

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

On By aledopressIn Environment, Infectivology

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