scholarly journals Filtration Performance Degradation of In-Use Masks by Vapors from Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers and the Mitigation Solutions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weidong He ◽  
Yinghe Guo ◽  
Jingxian Liu ◽  
Yang Yue ◽  
Jing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Performance Degradation ◽  
Hand Disinfection ◽  
Alcohol Vapor ◽  
Filtration Performance ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Electrostatic Charges ◽  
Surgical Masks

AbstractHow often does one perform hand disinfection while wearing a mask? In the current COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks and hand disinfection are widely adopted hygiene practices. However, our study indicated that exposure to the vapors from alcohol-based sanitizers during hand disinfection might degrade the filtration performance of the in-use masks, and the degradation worsened with the increasing number of hand disinfection. After five times of hand disinfection, the filtration efficiencies of surgical masks decreased by >8% for 400 and 500nm particles and by 3.68±1.83 % for 1μm particles. This was attributed to the dissipation of electrostatic charges on the masks when exposed to the alcohol vapor generated during hand disinfection. Simple practice of vapor-avoiding hand disinfection could mitigate the effects of alcohol vapor, which was demonstrated on two brands of surgical masks. The vapor-avoiding hand disinfection is recommended to be included in the hygiene guide to maintain the mask performance.Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Contact Dermatitis from Hand Hygiene Practices in the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 675-676
Author(s):  
See Wei Tan ◽  
Choon Chiat Oh
Keyword(s):  
Contact Dermatitis ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hand Disinfection ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Contact Allergen ◽  
Control And Prevention

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread globally at a staggering speed. At present, there is no effective treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. Hand disinfection is a cost-effective way to prevent its transmission. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, we should wash our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) with at least 60% alcohol are the alternative. With diligent hand disinfection reinforced during COVID-19, there is an increased prevalence of contact dermatitis. This commentary highlights the fact that contact dermatitis is a readily treatable condi tion and should not cause any deviation of proper hand hygiene. In irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), the management strategies are selection of less irritating hand hygiene products, frequent use of moisturisers to rebuild the skin barrier, and education on proper hand hygiene practices. In allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), the identification and avoidance of the contact allergen is the key to treatment. However, ACD is less common and only accounts for 20% of the cases. The identified allergens in hand cleansers are predominantly preservative excipients a nd ACD attributable to ABHR are very uncommon. Alcohol-free hand rubs are widely available on the market but it is not a recommended alternative to ABHRs by the CDC.

scholarly journals Material Suitability Testing for Nonmedical Grade Community Face Masks to Decrease Viral Transmission During a Pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Csanad Varallyay ◽  
Ningcheng (Peter) Li ◽  
Brendan Case ◽  
Bryan Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gauge ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Viral Transmission ◽  
Airflow Resistance ◽  
Nonwoven Fabrics ◽  
Filtration Performance ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
Fit Testing ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Fabric Material

Abstract Objectives: Cloth face covering has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to decrease community viral transmission. This study aims to determine the filtration efficiency and airflow resistance of common household materials available for homemade mask production by comparing numbers of fabrics, various layers, and manipulation. Methods: Common household woven, knitted, and nonwoven fabrics were tested for filtration efficiency using a fit testing setup and airflow resistance with pressure gauge setup. Three different levels of layering (1, 2, and 4) were tested. Some fabric material was further tested after washing and drying. Filtration performance, the area under the fitted curve comparing airflow resistance and filtration efficiency, was calculated for each fabric material and compared. Results: Layering increased filtration efficiency and airflow resistance (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Polyester felt demonstrated the highest filtration performance index (P < 0.0001), higher than all tested 100% cotton materials (all P < 0.05) as well as surgical masks (P < 0.05). Washing plus drying did not alter filtration performance significantly (P > 0.05). Conclusions: A filtration performance of common household fabrics were compared. Homemade mask designers and producers will have improved data to better balance effectiveness, availability, and comfort with the goal of decreasing community viral transmission.

Wireless Badge Tracks Hand-Hygiene Practices

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
MIRIAM E. TUCKER
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hygiene Practices

Nurses' hand hygiene practices: Effects of scenario, knowledge, and locus of control

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Collins McLaughlin ◽  
Grace E. Anxieter ◽  
Amanda T. Hemmer
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Hygiene Practices

GPS Receiver Performance Degradation in the Presence of Faded Interference

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle D. Wesson ◽  
Swen D. Ericson ◽  
Terence L. Johnson ◽  
Karl W. Shallberg ◽  
Per K. Enge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Degradation ◽  
Gps Receiver ◽  
Receiver Performance

RESEARCH: Dry Heat Processing of Single-Use Respirators and Surgical Masks

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 410-416
Author(s):  
Joyce M. Hansen ◽  
Scott Weiss ◽  
Terra A. Kremer ◽  
Myrelis Aguilar ◽  
Gerald McDonnell
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Airborne Particles ◽  
Heat Processing ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Dry Heat ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
Single Use

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has challenged healthcare providers in maintaining the supply of critical personal protective equipment, including single-use respirators and surgical masks. Single-use respirators and surgical masks can reduce risks from the inhalation of airborne particles and microbial contamination. The recent high-volume demand for single-use respirators and surgical masks has resulted in many healthcare facilities considering processing to address critical shortages. The dry heat process of 80°C (176°F) for two hours (120 min) has been confirmed to be an appropriate method for single-use respirator and surgical mask processing.

Health Personnel Practices Regarding Hand Hygiene in the Delivery Room at the Middle Euphrates Teaching Hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa A K Abbas ◽  
Muntahaa Rashaan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Delivery Room ◽  
Health Care Personnel ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Hygiene Practices

Literatures proved that Hand hygiene is the most important and effective infection prevention and control measure to prevent the spread of microorganisms causing HAIs and improving hand hygiene is consider a vital intervention to promote optimum patient safety in delivery room. Aim of the study; This study conducted to assess hand hygiene practices of health care personnel in the delivery room at the middle Euphrates teaching hospitals. Methods; A Descriptive qusi-expremental research design begin in 20th February to 26th May 2016, Current study sample involve all midwives and physicians in the delivery room (Total coverage.). Questionnaire used for data collection by interview forms and observational checklist was obtain from the extensive review of relevant literature and related studies Data analyzed through utilize (SPSS) software version (16) where, included descriptive analysis and inferential data analysis. The study conducted among 37 physicians and 97 midwives working in the delivery room are females. The current study indicate that the overall evaluation for the health staff practices regarding hand hygiene is fair at Karbala, Al-Najaf, Babylon and Diwaniah with high difference in health staff practices regarding infection control precautions (hand hygiene) and the different studied governorates at pvalue 0.001. based on the finding of present study majority of health care personnel have fair applies related to hand hygiene practices at different studied governorate hospitals. Updating practice of health care personnel through continuing inservice educational programs. Regular inspection and follow-up from the ministry of health for assurances good hand hygiene, the important of exist motivation system and punishment system to the neglected health care personnel.

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