What type of face mask should we choose in coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic considering photoprotective effectiveness?
- Authors
- Park, Sung Jin; Cho, Jun Hyuk; Ham, Min Seok; Seo, Soo Hong; Ahn, Hyo Hyun; Kim, Dai Hyun
- Issue Date
- Nov-2022
- Publisher
- Blackwell Publishing Inc.
- Keywords
- COVID-19; face mask; photoprotection
- Citation
- Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine, v.38, no.6, pp 548 - 554
- Pages
- 7
- Indexed
- SCIE
SCOPUS
- Journal Title
- Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine
- Volume
- 38
- Number
- 6
- Start Page
- 548
- End Page
- 554
- URI
- https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/55658
- DOI
- 10.1111/phpp.12788
- ISSN
- 0905-4383
1600-0781
- Abstract
- Background
Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective personal protective strategies to diminish the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several dermatological outcomes were reported because of the prolonged use of face masks, especially due to the constant mask-on policy, but the photoprotective effect of face masks has received less attention.
Objective
The aim of this study was to provide guidance in the use of face masks by comparing the photoprotective effects of routinely used masks.
Methods
A total of 12 frequently used face masks were tested, including certified respirators, Korea filter (KF)94, KF-anti-droplet (KF-AD), and KF80. The amount of light that penetrates each face mask was measured using a light sensor that can quantify Ultraviolet A (UVA), visible light (VL), and infrared A (IR-A) rays.
Results
Black-colored KF94 masks and surgical masks reduced penetration of UVA, VL, and IR-A by approximately 100%. The UVA penetration decreased on average by 95.51%, 90.97%, 85.06%, and 86.41% with white-colored KF94, KF-AD, KF80, and surgical masks, respectively. The VL and IR-A were blocked by approximately 75.58%, 66.16%, 59.18%, and 64.48% with white-colored KF94, KF-AD, KF80, and surgical masks, respectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the different photoprotective effectiveness of face masks was mainly determined by colors, and therefore, black-colored, multi-layered respirators can be recommended in terms of photoprotection in the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantified comparative results will be helpful to the person with pre-existing photo-aggravated dermatosis, especially in the season of the high intensity of sunlight.
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- Appears in
Collections - 2. Clinical Science > Department of Dermatology > 1. Journal Articles
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