Quantifying Mask Leakage and Effectiveness for Public Health Messaging

Abstract The purpose of this study is to compare masks (non-medical/fabric, surgical, and N95 respirators) on filtration efficiency, differential pressure, and leakage with the goal of providing evidence to improve public health messaging. Masks were tested on an anthropometric face filtration mount comparing both sealed and unsealed. Overall, surgical and N95 respirators provided significantly higher for filtration efficiency and differential pressure. Leakage comparisons are one of the most significant factors in mask efficiency. Higher weight and thicker fabric masks had significantly higher filtration efficiency. The findings of this study have important implications for communication and education regarding the use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses specifically the differences between sealed and unsealed masks. One-Sentence Summary: The type and fabric of facial masks and whether a mask is sealed or unsealed has a significant impact on the effectiveness of a mask.

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The protective performance of reusable cloth face masks, disposable procedure masks, KN95 masks and N95 respirators: Filtration and total inward leakage

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0258191 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. e0258191

Author(s):

Scott Duncan ◽

Paul Bodurtha ◽

Syed Naqvi

Keyword(s):

Geometric Mean ◽

Particle Diameter ◽

Standing Position ◽

Filtration Efficiency ◽

Protection Factor ◽

Respiratory Illnesses ◽

Particle Penetration ◽

Preventive Health Measure ◽

Materials Used ◽

N95 Respirators

Face coverings are a key component of preventive health measure strategies to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses. In this study five groups of masks were investigated that are of particular relevance to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: re-usable, fabric two-layer and multi-layer masks, disposable procedure/surgical masks, KN95 and N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Experimental work focussed on the particle penetration through mask materials as a function of particle diameter, and the total inward leakage protection performance of the mask system. Geometric mean fabric protection factors varied from 1.78 to 144.5 for the fabric two-layer and KN95 materials, corresponding to overall filtration efficiencies of 43.8% and 99.3% using a flow rate of 17 L/min, equivalent to a breathing expiration rate for a person in a sedentary or standing position conversing with another individual. Geometric mean total inward leakage protection factors for the 2-layer, multi-layer and procedure masks were <2.3, while 6.2 was achieved for the KN95 masks. The highest values were measured for the N95 group at 165.7. Mask performance is dominated by face seal leakage. Despite the additional filtering layers added to cloth masks, and the higher filtration efficiency of the materials used in disposable procedure and KN95 masks, the total inward leakage protection factor was only marginally improved. N95 FFRs were the only mask group investigated that provided not only high filtration efficiency but high total inward leakage protection, and remain the best option to protect individuals from exposure to aerosol in high risk settings. The Mask Quality Factor and total inward leakage performance are very useful to determine the best options for masking. However, it is highly recommended that testing is undertaken on prospective products, or guidance is sought from impartial authorities, to confirm they meet any implied standards.

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The impact of public health messaging and personal experience on the acceptance of mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization ◽

10.1016/j.jebo.2021.04.006 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Todd L. Cherry ◽

Alexander G. James ◽

James Murphy

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Personal Experience ◽

The Impact ◽

Health Messaging

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Understanding barriers to consumers to stop washing raw poultry through in-depth interviews

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-07-2021-0837 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Abigail Gilman ◽

Shauna C. Henley ◽

Jennifer Quinlan

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Transtheoretical Model ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Cross Contamination ◽

Preparation Methods ◽

Content Type ◽

Raw Poultry ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Health Messaging

PurposeFoodborne illness from poultry may be associated with improper handling that results in cross contamination. Washing of raw poultry is one practice that can lead to cross contamination. Some consumers continue to wash raw poultry after learning that not washing raw poultry is the safe behavior. There is a need to better understand why some consumers continue this practice and identify barriers to them adopting the correct behavior.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilized qualitative, in-depth interviews to understand some consumer's barriers to adopting the behavior of not washing raw poultry. The interview questioning route was iteratively developed and designed to allow both structure and flexibility. Questions were anchored in the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. Interviews (N = 23) were conducted over Zoom. Thematic analysis identified themes around consumers' resistance to adopting the correct behavior for handling raw poultry.FindingsResults from the thematic analysis indicate that chicken preparation methods were primarily influenced by family. A desire to control the process of preparing food, lack of trust in chicken processing, and the habitual nature of the behavior all contributed to the continuation of washing raw poultry. Over half of the participants (61%) expressed interest in changing behaviors in the future. Needing supporting scientific evidence, and an alternative behavior to replace washing were two key factors to support the development of future public health messaging.Originality/valueThis study investigates the barriers to safe raw poultry handling utilizing in-depth interviews and contributes to the development of more effective public health messaging.

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Public Health Messaging during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Lessons from Communication Science

Health Communication ◽

10.1080/10410236.2021.1994910 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Xiaoli Nan ◽

Irina A. Iles ◽

Bo Yang ◽

Zexin Ma

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Messaging

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The Fauci Effect: Public Health Messaging During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/naxf3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad Abu-Akel ◽

Andreas Spitz ◽

Robert West

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Messages ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Public Figures ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Health Messaging

It is urgent to understand how to most effectively communicate public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, the focus has been on how to formulate the message, rather than on who should send it, and particularly little is known about the latter during times of crisis. We report on the effectiveness of different public figures at promoting social distancing in 6 countries severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Across countries and demographic strata, immunology expert Dr. Anthony Fauci achieved the highest level of respondents’ willingness to reshare a call to social distancing, followed by a government spokesperson. Celebrity spokespersons were least effective. The likelihood of message resharing increased with age and when respondents expressed positive sentiments towards the spokesperson. Effective messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic can save lives, and the messenger matters.

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Why did the children stop coming? Reasons for paediatric emergency department attendance decrease during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

10.1101/2021.03.30.21254661 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Breckons ◽

Sophie Thorne ◽

Rebecca Walsh ◽

Sunil Bhopal ◽

Stephen Owens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Emergency Department ◽

United Kingdom ◽

Substantial Reduction ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Urgent Care ◽

List Type ◽

Paediatric Emergency Department ◽

Paediatric Emergency ◽

Health Messaging

AbstractObjectiveTo explore parent’s experiences and views relating to their use of children’s emergency healthcare services during the Covid-19 pandemic.DesignQualitative telephone interview study using in-depth interviews, based on the principles of grounded theory. Recorded, transcribed verbatim, managed in NVivo version 12, analysed by thematic analysis.SettingNorth East England, United Kingdom.ParticipantsParents of children aged 0-8 years.FindingsThree major themes emerged from the interview data: Risk to children and families, Sources of Information, and Making Healthcare-seeking Decisions. These themes encompassed a range of intellectual and emotional responses in the way that parents interpreted information related to Covid-19, and their sense of responsibility towards family and wider society.ConclusionsTogether these themes aid understanding of the changes in paediatric emergency department attendances reported in the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK. The analysis suggests that public health messaging directed at those seeking urgent care for children may be inadequate and lead to adverse consequences, the impacts of which require further study and refinement.What is known about the subjectFollowing lockdown, there was a substantial reduction in the number of children taken to unscheduled medical care across the countryDelays in presentation can impact on children’s healthIt is not known what parents’ views are on accessing emergency health services in a pandemic situationWhat this study addsParents had to weigh up a number of information sources before deciding on whether to take their child to hospitalPublic health messaging directed at those seeking urgent care for children may lead to a reduction in use of emergency healthcare servicesFuture lockdowns should implement focussed strategies, optimising use of emergency healthcare services, whilst avoiding harm.

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Observed compliance with safe sleeping guidelines in licensed childcare services

Archives of Disease in Childhood ◽

10.1136/archdischild-2019-317000 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 104 (12) ◽

pp. 1193-1197 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sally Staton ◽

Cassandra Pattinson ◽

Simon Smith ◽

Anna Pease ◽

Peter Blair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Self Report ◽

National Regulation ◽

Home Based ◽

Registration Number ◽

In Situ Observations ◽

Full Day ◽

Beliefs And Attitudes ◽

Health Messaging

ObjectiveTo independently assess compliance with safe sleeping guidelines for infants <12 months in licensed childcare services.DesignFull-day, in-situ observations of childcare practices (including sleep and non-sleep periods) conducted in 2016–2017.SettingAustralian home-based and centre-based licensed childcare services. All subject to national regulation and legislation to comply with safe sleeping guidelines.ParticipantsThe sample was 18 licensed childcare settings (15 centre-based, 3 home-based) that had infants <12 months (n=49) attending at the time of observation. 31 educators completed self-report surveys.Main outcomes and measuresStandard observations of childcare practices, including a 20-item infant Safe Sleeping Guideline checklist. Educator characteristics, including each individual’s knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding safe sleeping practices.Results83% of childcare services were observed to be non-compliant on at least 1 of 20 target guidelines (median 2.5, max=7); 44% were observed placing infants prone/side and 67% used loose bedding, quilts, doonas/duvets, pillows, sheepskins or soft toys in cots. 71% of the childcare settings had a copy of current safe sleeping guidelines displayed either in or at entry to the infant sleep room.ConclusionDespite 25 years of public health messaging, non-compliance with safe sleeping guidelines was observed to be high in childcare services. Understanding of the reasons underlying non-compliance, particularly in contexts were legislative mandate and access to information regarding safe sleeping is high, is critical to informing ongoing public health messaging and should be the focus of future studies.Trial registration numberANZCTR 12618001056280—pre-results.

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