Coronavirus
Technology Solutions
HEPA Room Air
Purifiers are
Needed at Many
Schools
Protection,
Appeal, and Cost
are the Three
Criteria for
Mask Purchases
Rolling Stone
Rates Reusable
Masks
____________________________________________________________________________
HEPA Room Air
Purifiers are
Needed at Many
Schools
School
administrators
continue to
struggle with
selecting the
right
ventilation
system for
classrooms, as
more states
reopen schools
for in-person
learning.
U.S.-based air
purification
company, Oransi,
offers the
following
guidance for
schools that
will allow them
to select the
right
ventilation
products, the
first time,
thereby helping
to avoid any
delay when
reopening.
To achieve good
indoor air
quality the
Environmental
Protection
Agency (EPA)
states there are
three
strategies:
source control
(removes the
source of the
pollutant),
ventilation
(brings in fresh
air from
outdoors) and
air cleaning
(through use of
an air
purifier). For
school
ventilation
there are two
options: a HEPA
air filtration
system or an
HVAC ventilation
system. Knowing
which option is
right for a
school depends
on the
efficiency
(percentage of
particles of a
given size that
are removed by
the air filter
with each air
pass) and if
enough air is
moving for the
room size.
Commercial HVAC
systems are
expensive,
time-consuming
to upgrade, and
generally use
lower efficiency
air filters that
do not remove
fine particles
such as viruses
- allowing them
to pass back
into a room's
air. However,
upgrading or
installing an
HVAC system is
the right
solution if
there is a very
large space to
clean usually
larger than
1,500 square
feet and
removing viruses
or fine
particles is not
a concern.
But a new HVAC
system may not
be realistic
when a school's
budget is
limited or the
campus buildings
are older and
source control
and proper
ventilation
cannot be
achieved. In
this case, HEPA
air purifiers
may be the best
supplemental
solution for a
school's budget
and layout. But
how can schools
select the right
HEPA air
purifier? Oransi
offers the
following tips:
1)
Based on the
recommendation
of Harvard
University
School of Public
Health, look for
5 air changes
per hour (ACH)
If a school's
existing
Commercial HVAC
system provides
3 ACH, then the
air purifier
selected would
need to provide
2 ACH as a
supplement
2)
Look for a
portable air
purifier with a
HEPA filter.
3)
Look for a high
Clean Air
Delivery Rate
(CADR). This
represents the
volume of clean
air coming from
an air purifier.
The air must be
cleaned quickly
in order to
remove virus
particles. Only
a HEPA filter
can capture a
virus with the
proper air flow.
4)
Avoid add-ons
such as ionizers
or UV lights - a
technology that
requires a
lengthy contact
time to remove
viruses and
airborne
particles.
5)
Know the exact
square footage
of the classroom
the air purifier
will be placed
in. To calculate
square footage,
measure the
length and width
of the classroom
in feet, and
then multiply
the two numbers
to get the
square footage.
Also calculate
in the ceiling
height, as an
8-foot ceiling
is often
assumed. Then
refer to the
CADR rating to
determine what
size air
purifier can
clean the room.
Oransi is a
variation of
Oranssi, a
Finnish word
that means
orange. This is
tribute to the
founder's
heritage that
values simple
design, ease of
use and
practical.
The company is
based in Austin
Texas.
Its initial
products focused
on high quality
and
affordability
especially as it
relates to
filter
replacement
costs.
It has
since added
commercial air
purifiers
It
searched the
world to build
the ultimate air
purifiers. In
Germany it found
the largest
factory of high
performance
motors. So the
purchaser
obtains high
performance and
reliability with
low energy
usage.
Protection,
Appeal, and Cost
are the Three
Criteria for
Mask Purchases
When the
consumer buys an
automobile he
bases his
decision on
reliable
performance and
safety data
which has
evolved over
decades. There
are minimum
standards set by
regulations. But
there is a
wealth of
analysis
provided by
experts and
communicated in
the media and by
the suppliers.
The mask
industry has to
create a
reliable
decision system
without the
luxury of time.
It is almost as
if you asked
someone in 1910
who had only
ridden a horse
to choose
between a
Chevrolet SUV
and
a Harley
motorcycle.
The ASTM ratings
along with
similar public
mask standards
in Europe create
a minimum
requirement and
also a
measurement
structure. What
is now needed is
a guidance
hierarchy which
results in the
access to clear
choices for the
consumer.
This hierarchy
includes the
background
science,
testing,
evaluation, and
conclusions by
the industry.
Then these
conclusions have
to be
communicated to
media,
associations,
and governments
who in turn then
make their own
rating
recommendations.
The guidance for
the consumer has
to be based not
on technical
criteria such as
breathing
resistance but
simply on
comfort. In fact
a mask with more
media has lower
actual
resistance than
one with less
media even
though the
testing done at
a standard
velocity does
not reflect
this.
For the consumer
the three goals
are protection,
appeal, and
cost.
Protection
Protection
includes
·
media efficiency
·
in leakage
Protection =100%
-in
leakage-media
penetration.
Therefore
“protection” is
a very good term
to use in
dealing with the
consumer. It
accurately
reflects his
goals. He can
readily
differentiate
between
a mask
with a 60%
protection
versus one with
90%
Quality control
is another
factor which can
be communicated
with terms such
as excellent or
appropriate but
also with a
negative %
reduction in
protection. With
a good quality
control program
the projected
defect impact
will be less
than 1%.
Protection
factor = 100% -
in leakage-
media
penetration-
defects.
Mask fit is
critical. Recent
recommendations
to wear a cloth
mask over a
surgical mask
are indicative
of the
importance.
However, this
particular
choice creates
new variables
including not
only which
combination of
masks is chosen
but how they are
actually worn.
Some mask
companies have
five different
mask sizes. They
have done
extensive
testing of
leakage under
various
movements.
They have
programs to make
sure purchasers
have good
guidance on
wear. This
category could
be classified as
“donning”. There
is likely to be
less consumer
error in picking
the wrong size
of mask or
wearing it
inappropriately.
Protection
factor = 100% -
in leakage -
media
penetration
– defects
- donning
Here is an
example of a
good mask versus
a surgical mask
with a cloth
mask over it.
This protection
factor can be a
guide but with
the
qualification
that it is just
one tool and
subject to many
variables.
This is
why a guidance
hierarchy is
needed.
Appeal
Media flow
resistance is an
important
measurement. But
without taking
into account the
amount of
filterable media
in a mask, the
consumer is
lacking the
comfort
information he
needs.
Comfort
is also about
distributing
pressure points,
using the right
fabrics next to
the skin, and
other
parameters. It
involves the
activities of
the wearer. A
soccer player
has a different
experience than
a bus rider.
Appeal also
includes
attractiveness.
A woman
dressing up for
a celebration is
going to rate
attractiveness
differently than
an office worker
or meat packer.
Some mask
companies have
extensive
feedback from
clients and can
credibly claim a
high level of
appeal based on
comfort
plus
attractiveness.
The guidance
hierarchy can
rely on the user
experience to
help rate
“appeal”.
Cost
The terms single
use and reusable
are no longer
valuable labels.
Due to the
shortage
surgical masks
are being worn
longer during
one use and then
reused. N95
masks are being
cleaned with
H2O2 and used
many times.
Many masks
offered to the
public are
designed for
more than 20
wearings without
any filter
changes.
Other
masks have
filter inserts.
The same mask
used for virus
protection can
also be used for
wildfire smoke
protection where
the main concern
will be
accumulation of
particles in the
media and
increase in
resistance.
As people become
vaccinated the
concerns will be
reintroduction
of variants,
influenza,
wildfires, air
pollution
protection, and
pollens. Masks
are likely to be
worn fewer hours
per week and
therefore last
longer.
The cost
therefore needs
to include
-
initial cost
-
life
o
use
o
deterioration of
efficiency or
fit over time
o
loss of appeal
Two factors
affecting life
are efficiency
and media
resistance.
Electrostatically
charged media
will lose
efficiency over
time. However
there are
billions of HVAC
filters with
meltblown media
which are
expected to
remain efficient
over months. The
other factor is
particulate
buildup.
Again
HVAC filters are
expected to last
for months
before pressure
drop increases
sufficiently for
replacement.
The concerns
about virus
transmission
from the mask
surface are
legitimate but
have to be
viewed in terms
of viral load.
If you have
momentary
exposure to the
virus and it is
captured on the
mask exterior
and you touch
the filter area
10 hours later
much of the
virus will have
been
inactivated. If
the mask sits
out overnight,
by the following
morning even
less of the
virus would be
active.
To put this in
perspective the
risk of
transmission
from the mask
surface ranges
from 0 to 5%.
With UV
or H2O2 cleaning
the risk might
be 0%. By just
avoiding
touching the
outer filter
surface
the risk might
be 2%. So when
you have a total
protection
factor of 60 to
90% a few
percent
difference in
mask surface
transmission is
not a major
concern.
Attractiveness
deteriorates
with time.
Lipstick and
cosmetics on
mask interiors
are one problem.
Multicolored or
black masks
remain at the
original
attractiveness
level for longer
periods.
The consumer
does not need
much advice on
this since
“beauty is in
the eye of the
beholder”.
He can
make his own
judgements.
It is desirable,
necessary and
practical to set
up a guidance
system which
results in mask
consumers being
able to make
choices based on
the
amount of
protection,
appeal and cost
per use.
Rolling Stone
Rates Reusable
Masks
Rolling Stone
states that they
have receive a
commission from
rating masks.
This is in
contrast to
Consumer Reports.
Nevertheless
Rolling Stone
can be a conduit
for information
on effective
masks. Their
readers will
very soon be
wanting to know
about mask
effectiveness.
Here is the just
published
analysis which
we believe needs
to be revised
greatly as the
new ASTM
standards are
understood and
public interest
shifts.
There is no
concrete
filtration
efficiency or
fit data.
Some
statements such
as “meets CDC
guidelines for 2
layers”, or “has
efficient
nanofiber media”
or “has PM 2.5
filters” are
ambiguous or
even misleading.
Rolling Stone
“According to
the CDC, the
most effective
cloth masks have
materials that
follow these guidelines:
That being said,
always check the
label of your
mask, since some
companies use
custom fabric
blends,
especially to
increase warmth
during the
winter, or wick
moisture.
One of the most
important
factors is the
seal of the mask
itself. Your
mask should fit
tightly over
your nose and
mouth, not
leaving any gaps
that might allow
viral particles
to pass through.
Look for a
reusable face
mask with
adjustable ear
straps, or masks
with a tight
cone shape that
will fit the
contour of the
bridge of your
nose. If your
cloth mask
doesn’t have
adjustable
straps, make
sure it’s still
form-fitting and
won’t move
around too much
on your face.
You can also
customize any
reusable cloth
mask you get to
enhance the
fit—there are flexible
metal nose
strips,
or mask
extenders,
which will also
have the added
bonus of
reducing how
much your glasses fog
up, if you wear
them. Double-masking with
a non-medical
mask over a
disposable
medical mask is
also a great way
to have added
layers of
protection,
combined with a
tighter seal on
your face.
The best cloth
face coverings are
also
machine-washable
or can at least
be washed by
hand. While they
won’t hold up
forever, they
can still be
worn dozens of
times, and
washing them
will help
prevent them
from building up
bacteria and
germs on the
surface.
With that advice
in mind,
Rolling Stone
rounded up some
of their top
picks for
reusable face
masks that will
stand up to
frequent use.
1. är Small Logo
Black
Self-Cleaning
Face Mask
Tested by our
editors, we
recommend this
sleek and
comfortable face
covering as one
of the best
reusable masks
on the market.
Not only is är’s
mask design as
stylish as it
gets, it checks
all our boxes in
terms of secure
fit and
protective
coverage—each
Nanofilter
included in the
mask comes with
three layers
(two layers
non-woven
material, one
layer nanofiber)
for maximum
particle
filtration, and
the top has an
aluminum nose
strip that seals
off any possible
gaps. While you
can’t just toss
it in the
washing machine,
each Nanofilter
lasts for up to
40 hours of
continuous wear
before needing
to be replaced
(the mask itself
is
machine-washable).
The mask is also
treated with a
“ViralOff”
coating, which
the company says
kills more
bacteria,
reducing the
number of times
you’ll have to
clean it in
between uses.
är Small Logo
Black
Self-cleaning
Face Mask,
available on
Concept är
$29.90
2. Cremöly Face
Mask
Looking for an
eco-friendly
alternative to
disposable
masks? Each of
Cremöly’s masks
can be reused up
to 60 times, and
are designed
with sustainable
materials,
including a
layer made of
natural latex
that will only
take six months
to decompose,
according to the
site. They’re
still super
light and
breathable,
thanks to a
skin-friendly
cotton layer, as
well as
adjustable
straps that will
create a nice
seal without
feeling
suffocating.
Coming in a
variety of
colorful prints
and designs, you
can customize
these
environmentally-conscious
masks to fit
your personal
style.
3. Brave New
Look Protective
Face Mask (with
PM2.5 Filter)
Brave New Look’s
CDC-approved
non-medical
masks are
reusable and
come with a set
of fourPM2.5
filters, which
are designed to
capture tiny
particles and
contaminants in
the air. Just
slip one of the
filters into the
built-in pouch,
and breath
normally through
the lightweight
cotton and
spandex blend.
We recommend
replacing the filter after
one week, but
the mask itself
comes in a
variety of
colors and
patterns, so you
can chose one
you won’t get
bored of wearing
every day.
Brave New Look
Protective Face
Mask With PM2.5
Filter,
available at
Brave New Look
4. Outdoor
Voices
Adjustable Face
Mask
These
double-layered,
breathable face
masks come with
adjustable
straps, so
you’ll never
have to worry
about a flimsy
fit or touching
your face
unnecessarily to
move it around.
Made from an 86%
Polyester and
14% Spandex
blend, you can
easily throw
them in the
wash, and even
in your dryer on
a low setting.
If you’re
worried about
always having to
run your
machine, these
masks come in a
pack of five, so
you can rotate
which ones you
wear
Outdoor Voices
Adjustable Face
Mask (5-pack),
available at
Outdoor Voices
$28
5. Rag & Bone
The Stealth Mask
Pack
Rag & Bone’s
Stealth Masks
are made from
lightweight,
upcycled
materials, but
have a cotton
lining if you’re
worried about
comfort. As with
most other masks
made from 100%
cotton, it’s
recommended that
you wash this
mask before you
use it first,
and after every
use, although
you’ll have to
hand wash these.
But it’s totally
worth it, as the
mask is super
convenient, with
adjustable
elastic straps
and a pouch to
safely store it
in if you’re on
the go.
Rag & Bone
Stealth Mask
Pack (3-pack),
available at Rag
& Bone
6. Uniqlo Airism
Mask
Airism Face Mask
(3-pack),
available at
Uniqlo $14.90
7. The Tie Bar
5-Pack Cotton
Solid Masks
The Tie Bar
Cotton Solid
Masks (5-pack),
available at Tie
Bar
8. Bonobos
Riviera Face
Mask
Bonobos Riviera
Face Mask
(3-pack),
available at
Bonobos
9. Sheertex
Everywhere Mask
In terms of
functionality,
Sheertex packs a
lot into their
reusable face
mask—their
propriety knit
blend means the
face covering is
cooling,
lightweight, and
moisture-wicking.
The strings are
adjustable,
which is a big
bonus, but the
Everywear mask
also has a
naturally curved
shape with edges
that will hug
your face
naturally and
stay in place.
What we like:
while this is a
non-medical
mask, there’s a
built-in pouch
for disposable
filters, so you
get both total
facial coverage
and more
advanced
filtration, if
you want it.
Sheertex
Everywear Mask,
available at
Sheertex
10. Huckberry
Merino Wool Face
Mask
This mask may be
made with layers
of pillowy-soft
Merino wool, but
it can still
retain its shape
well after
multiple machine
washes.
Triple-layered
for comfort,
Huckberry says
Merino wool was
also chosen for
its
“moisture-wicking,
breathable,
temperature-regulating,
and
odor-resistant”
properties. You
won’t be using
your reusable
mask during just
one season, and
this mask is a
great year-round
companion: it’ll
stay dry in the
summer, while
keeping you warm
and cozy during
the winter
months.
Huckberry Merino
Wool Face Mask,
available at
Huckberry
11. Everlane The
100% Human Face
Mask
One of our
favorite
machine-washable
face masks, this
lightweight 100%
cotton mask from
Everlane has a
CDC-approved
double layer
design. With a
five-pack of
these chic masks
from Everlane,
you don’t have
to wear the same
design every
day, but the
stretchy lycra
ear loops make
any of them
comfortable
enough for
all-day wear.
For every
five-pack of
masks sold, the
company is also
donating 10% of
sales to the
ACLU.
Everlane The
100% Human Face
Mask (5-Pack),
available on
Everlane
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