Abstract
The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases in recent decades has posed a serious threat to public health. Routes of transmission differ, but the respiratory droplet or airborne route has the greatest potential to disrupt social intercourse, while being amenable to prevention by the humble face mask. Different types of masks give different levels of protection to the user. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has even resulted in a global shortage of face masks and the raw materials that go into them, driving individuals to self-produce masks from household items. At the same time, research has been accelerated towards improving the quality and performance of face masks, e.g., by introducing properties such as antimicrobial activity and superhydrophobicity. This review will cover mask-wearing from the public health perspective, the technical details of commercial and home-made masks, and recent advances in mask engineering, disinfection, and materials and discuss the sustainability of mask-wearing and mask production into the future.
Highlights
Emerging and reemerging infections have emerged as a threat to human health in recent decades [1]
For Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE) testing, 0.1 μm polystyrene latex particles are used according to FDA guidance [64] at airflow velocities of 0.5-25 cm/s as recommended by the ASTM F2299 standard, for quantifying the filtration efficiency of materials used in facial masks [65]
The worsening and prolonging of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a surge in daily consumption and demand of protective equipment (PPE) items, including face masks, by frontline healthcare workers, which resulted in a global shortage of face masks and raw materials
Summary
Emerging and reemerging infections have emerged as a threat to human health in recent decades [1]. Reusable ones include industrial-use half or full facepiece respirators with cartridge filters attached and homemade or commercial cloth masks; disposable ones include surgical masks, N95 respirators, and KN95 respirators They all serve the general purpose of providing some form of protection against contaminants in Research. Researchers and industry players have been working hard to address the issue of shortage, as well as to enhance the protection afforded by existing mask models These efforts include (i) sourcing and engineering alternative materials with sufficient filtering capacity, (ii) engineering the design of masks and respirators for better protection, breathability, and user comfort, (iii) developing and engineering multifunctional masks and materials with hydrophobic, antimicrobial, self-disinfecting, and even sensing properties, and (iv) exploring new technologies for efficient production and customization of masks, e.g., 3D printing [19].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
