Comparison of Filtration Efficiency and Pressure Drop in Anti-Yellow Sand Masks, Quarantine Masks, Medical Masks, General Masks, and Handkerchiefs

TLDR

Particulate respirators are used in general and workplace settings, yet worldwide mask regulations remain lax despite certified respirators for workers. This study evaluated the filter efficiency of various mask types using KFDA and NIOSH protocols and compared the results. We tested 44 mask brands across four types—anti‑yellow sand, medical, quarantine, general—and handkerchiefs with a TSI 8130 Automatic Filter Tester. Penetration and pressure drop varied widely; overall mean penetration was ~35 % and pressure drop 2.7 mm H₂O (KFDA) or 10.6 mm H₂O (NIOSH), all quarantine masks met the KFDA 6 % criterion, most anti‑yellow sand masks met the 20 % criterion, while medical, general masks, and handkerchiefs offered little protection.

Abstract

Particulate respirators have been used in both general environments and in the workplace. Despite the existence of certified respirators for workers, no strict regulations exist for masks worldwide. The aims of this study were to evaluate the filter efficiency of various mask types using the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) [similar to the European Union (EU) protocol] and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) protocol and to compare the test results. We tested a total of 44 mask brands of four types (anti-yellow sand, medical, quarantine, general) and handkerchiefs with a TSI 8130 Automatic Filter Tester. A wide variation of penetration and pressure drops was observed by mask types. The overall mean penetration and pressure drop of all tested masks were respectively 35.6 ± 34.7%, 2.7 ± 1.4 mm H2O with the KFDA protocol, and 35.1 ± 35.7%, 10.6 ± 5.88 mm H2O with the NIOSH protocol. All tested quarantine masks satisfied the KFDA criterion of 6%. Six-ninths and four-sevenths of the anti-yellow sand masks for adults and children satisfied the criterion of 20%, respectively. Medical masks, general masks, and handkerchiefs were found to provide little protection against respiratory aerosols.