Emily
Editor, Senior Moderator
Akhondi, Hossein; Kaveh, Sassan; Kaufman, Kimball; Danai, Tina; and Ayutyanont, Napatkamon (2022) "CO2 Levels Behind and in Front of Different Protective Mask Types," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 3: Iss. 4, Article 3.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1321
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol3/iss4/3
Abstract
Objectives
Many individuals have difficulty adapting to face mask use and report symptoms while using masks. Our primary objective was to determine whether continuous mask-wearing causes elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO[SUB]2[/SUB]) behind the facemasks.
Methods
CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations were measured behind 3 different types of face masks and were compared to CO[SUB][SUP]2[/SUP][/SUB] concentrations at the mask front in 261 subjects who continuously wore masks for at least 5 minutes. These CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations were also measured in several randomly selected subjects after a 5-minute walk.
Results
There were significantly higher CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations behind the mask (3176 ppm) compared to the front (843 ppm) with an average of 49 minutes of continuous mask use. Of all the subjects, 76.6% had a behind-the-mask CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentration of more than 2000 ppm (the threshold for clinical symptoms), and 12.2% had a CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentration of at least 5000 ppm (occupational health exposure limit). The CO[SUB]2[/SUB] level behind the N-95 masks was highest (especially after exertion) and was lowest behind cloth masks. The combination of warm ambient temperature, an N-95 mask, exercise, and young age appeared to induce exceedingly high CO[SUB]2[/SUB] levels that should be avoided.
Discussion
Although masks might be necessary for healthcare workers or to lessen the spread of airborne disease, we found that elevated CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations were present while wearing them. Elevated CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations have historically caused symptoms of CO[SUB]2[/SUB] toxicity. Periodic mask breaks in designated areas may be needed to avoid adverse effects.
Conclusion
The use of masks increased the CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentration in the air behind them to levels historically associated with toxicity.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1321
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol3/iss4/3
Abstract
Objectives
Many individuals have difficulty adapting to face mask use and report symptoms while using masks. Our primary objective was to determine whether continuous mask-wearing causes elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO[SUB]2[/SUB]) behind the facemasks.
Methods
CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations were measured behind 3 different types of face masks and were compared to CO[SUB][SUP]2[/SUP][/SUB] concentrations at the mask front in 261 subjects who continuously wore masks for at least 5 minutes. These CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations were also measured in several randomly selected subjects after a 5-minute walk.
Results
There were significantly higher CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations behind the mask (3176 ppm) compared to the front (843 ppm) with an average of 49 minutes of continuous mask use. Of all the subjects, 76.6% had a behind-the-mask CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentration of more than 2000 ppm (the threshold for clinical symptoms), and 12.2% had a CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentration of at least 5000 ppm (occupational health exposure limit). The CO[SUB]2[/SUB] level behind the N-95 masks was highest (especially after exertion) and was lowest behind cloth masks. The combination of warm ambient temperature, an N-95 mask, exercise, and young age appeared to induce exceedingly high CO[SUB]2[/SUB] levels that should be avoided.
Discussion
Although masks might be necessary for healthcare workers or to lessen the spread of airborne disease, we found that elevated CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations were present while wearing them. Elevated CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentrations have historically caused symptoms of CO[SUB]2[/SUB] toxicity. Periodic mask breaks in designated areas may be needed to avoid adverse effects.
Conclusion
The use of masks increased the CO[SUB]2[/SUB] concentration in the air behind them to levels historically associated with toxicity.