Current understanding on the Effectiveness of Face Masks and Respirators to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses

Abstract

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety foot wares, gloves, face masks and respirators, face shields, and gowns are used both in health care and community settings to contain the spread of infectious diseases during microbial outbreaks. Filtering device including face masks and respirators are important components of PPE to prevent the bio-aerosol and droplet mediated transmission of a disease. In case of respiratory pathogens, droplets originate from an infected person sneezing and coughing and aerosols are formed by exhalation and desiccation of larger droplets. The filtering efficiency of a filtering device depends on nature of the filter, size and nature of particles, user preference, and environmental conditions. The breathability, facial fitness, and contamination from used mask and respirator are important factors to be considered in designing a filtering device. This review discusses on current development in materials used for filtering device, effectiveness of face mask and respirator, emerging technologies for better filtering device, and finally provide a general guideline for proper use and future prospective of face mask and respirator.