Inhibitory Effect of Half-face Masks on Inhalation of Particles of Carbon Powder and Japanese Cedar Pollen

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We examined the inhibitory effect of half-face masks on inhalations of particles of carbon powder and Japanese cedar pollen from the point of view of preventing nasal manifestation in pollinosis patients. The subjects tried out two types of simple masks commonly sold at drug stores or supermarket chains. With each type of mask, two different sizes of carbon particles and Japanese cedar pollen (which were dispersed in canisters) were inhaled by the subjects, and the particles inside and outside the mask were counted. The face masks inhibited inhalation of particles in air, and these simple economical cotton gauze masks, if used dampened with plain water, were comparable in effect to more expensive industrial masks.