Study of Electrostatic Field Responses of Locally Marketed Face Masks in the Philippines

Abstract

The face mask is the first line of defense against infectious particulates and droplets that may cause illness. Currently in the Philippines, the wearing of face mask is compulsory whenever citizens leave their residences as mandated by the government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The wearing of face masks has become a new normal among Filipinos. This created market opportunities for different types which became commonly and immediately available for purchase. This study aimed to differentiate the effectiveness of locally available face masks in terms of electrostatic filtration capability. Twelve different types of face masks grouped into five categories – surgical, fabric, N95 variants, foam type, and novelty type – were evaluated. Electrostatic fields were measured from each face mask including pore sizes via scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, by utilizing the estimated charge and mass of the SARS-CoV-2 virion, the transmission rate was simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics®. It was observed that face masks with negatively charged materials combined with small pore sizes afforded less particle transmission. The results of this study are of timely significance in potentially laying out public awareness in the selection and utilization of face masks that can provide foremost shielding against viral transmission.