EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: Effectiveness of Medical and Cloth Masks for COVID-19 Protection

Presentation in the Tools and Resources ORD webinar series on ORD work conducted on the effectiveness of face coverings as personal protection during the COVID-19 pandemic

Impact/Purpose

Despite widespread adoption of face mask use for personal protection and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, there is little or no public information available on the performance and efficacy of different types of masks or modifications on existing face coverings. Important questions, such as which type of mask to buy or make, what modifications can be made to disposable medical-grade surgical masks and other face coverings, or the compatibility of facial hair with protective face coverings, remain. EPA researchers are collaborating with University of North Carolina partners to test the fitted filtering efficiency of face coverings available to hospital workers and the general public, as well as the relative performance of face coverings for individuals with beards. This webinar will highlight three of these collaborative projects and their impact in informing healthcare workers and the public on their best options.

Citation

Samet, J. AND S. Prince. EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: Effectiveness of Medical and Cloth Masks for COVID-19 Protection. Tools and Resources ORD Webinar Series, NA- Virtual, NC, January 27, 2021.