Influence of Masks Protecting against SARS-CoV-2 on Thermal Comfort

Ewa Zender-Świercz,Beata Galiszewska,Marek Telejko

doi:10.3390/en14113315

Ewa Zender-Świercz, Beata Galiszewska + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113315

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Jun 4, 2021
Citations: 12	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Kielce University of Technology

Abstract

Due to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most countries have tightened their public health policies. One way to limit the spread of the virus is to make mouth and nose cover compulsory in public spaces. The article presents the impact of wearing masks on the perception of thermal comfort. The following masks were analysed: FFP2, cotton, medical, PM2.5, half-face protective shield plastic and full-face protective shield plastic. The research was carried out for two scenarios of an ambient temperature: −20 and 30 °C. A thermal manikin was used for the tests. In the case of when a temperature equals 20 °C, the dry masks increase comfort, both general and local, while wet masks reduce comfort. On the other hand, at 30 °C, only wet masks do not increase discomfort. In addition, moist masks require less heat flux to achieve a certain skin temperature. However, it should be remembered that it is not advisable to wet the masks from the health point of view.

Highlights

In order to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most countries around the world have decided to tighten their public health policies [1]
The article presents the analysis of the thermal insulation of clothing, which included masks to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the feel of thermal comfort
While staying in premises with an internal air temperature of 30 ◦ C, the use of a dry mask is associated with greater discomfort

Summary

Introduction

In order to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most countries around the world have decided to tighten their public health policies [1]. As the WHO (World Health Organization) notes in its advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19, the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against the spread of respiratory viral diseases [3]. Numerous studies have pointed to the validity of wearing face masks as a way to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Guy et al noted in their analysis that mandating the wearing of masks, closing restaurants and bars, and stay-at-home orders reduced the rates of increase in cases of disease and the rate of increase in mortality [4].

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