Assessment of the Wearability of Facemasks against Air Pollution in Primary School-Aged Children in London

Abstract

Air pollution is a major health problem and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects. Facemasks are one form of protection but, to be effective, they need to filter out airborne pollutants, fit the face well and be wearable. In this pilot study, we assess the perceived wearability of three facemasks (Vogmask, TuHao and ReSpimask) marketed in the UK as being designed to protect children against exposure to air pollution. Twenty-four primary school children wore each facemask during a standardised walking and running activity. After each activity, the children were asked to rate facemask wearability in terms of parameters, such as perceived comfort, hotness, breathability and fit. At the end of the trial, the children compared and identified their preferred facemask. The main complaint about the facemasks was the children’s faces being too hot. The ReSpimask was most frequently reported as being perceived to be the hardest to breathe through. The TuHao facemask was the only adjustable strap mask assessed but was reported to be difficult to adjust. Facemasks with a nose clip were frequently rated highest for fit (TuHao and Vogmask). The patterned, cloth fabric Vogmask had significantly higher ratings for appearance and perceived fit. The results show children’s perceptions of facemasks are highly affected by the facemask’s design, hotness and perceived breathability. By making children’s facemasks more appealing, breathable, cooler and improving their fit, wearability may be improved.

Commentary: Physiological and Psychological Impact of Face Mask Usage during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC currently recommends that children over the age of two years wear a cloth mask [ 4 ]. To date, there is no published research examining the physiological impact of children wearing cloth masks; however, Smart and colleagues [ 30 ] examined children wearing facemasks for the purpose of protection against air pollution. Similar to studies in adults [ 12 ], the children had discomfort related to increased facial temperatures [ 30 ].…”

“…To date, there is no published research examining the physiological impact of children wearing cloth masks; however, Smart and colleagues [ 30 ] examined children wearing facemasks for the purpose of protection against air pollution. Similar to studies in adults [ 12 ], the children had discomfort related to increased facial temperatures [ 30 ]. The children had the most discomfort (i.e., faces becoming too hot) when they were performing activities such as running [ 30 ].…”

Individual- and Household-Level Interventions to Reduce Air Pollution Exposures and Health Risks: a Review of the Recent Literature

“…The benefits of reduced PM 2.5 concentrations from electrostatic precipitators and negative ion generators may be offset by the harmful effects of ozone and negative ions, respectively [67•, 68]. Respirators designed for occupational use may be unavailable or prohibitively expensive in some settings [69, 126•], a good facemask fit may be unachievable for children and some adults [127][128][129], and a poor fitting facemask may give a false sense of security [38]. Higher efficiency masks, such as N95, can be uncomfortable and may make breathing difficult [77•, 80].…”

“…There is anecdotal evidence that N95 and equivalent masks are often unavailable in the most polluted locations, so we recommend health studies of the face coverings that are available and used in those settings. In addition, while a small number of studies evaluated comfort and "wearability" of facemasks among children [128,129], we are unaware of any studies of the exposure or health benefits of facemask use among children in community settings. The standard advice during pollution episodes is to remain indoors and reduce outdoor activities.…”

Profiles on the Orientation Discrimination Processing of Human Faces

“…Even if this issue has become crucial in smart cities, many challenges still remain [ 1 ]. Among these, one should bear in mind that some face-recognition technology is able to do this process under not the most optimal conditions, e.g., even for people wearing masks to combat the spread of Covid-19 [ 2 ]. Current approaches have focused their attention on predictions through artificial intelligence.…”