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Liu Z, Ding M, Hu C, Rong R, Lin C, Yao G, Shao X, Jin G. Susceptibility and exposure risk to airborne aerosols in intra-urban microclimate: Evidence from subway system of mega-cities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170514. [PMID: 38296074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The health of intra-urban population in modern megacities relies largely on the biosafety within the microclimate of subway system, which can be vulnerable to epidemical challenges brought by virus-laden bioaerosols under varying factors. The literature has yet to address the association between the exposure risks to infectious pathogens and the dynamic changes of boundary conditions in this densely populated microclimate. This study aims at characterizing the bioaerosol dispersion, evaluating the exposure risks under various train arrival scenarios and hazard releasing positions in a real-world double-decker subway station. The results provide the evidence for the dominating airflow pattern, bioaerosols dispersion behaviors, exposure risk, and evacuation guidance in a representative microclimate of mega-cities. The tunnel effects of nearby pedestrian passageways are found to be dominating the airflow pattern, leading to the discharging of airborne bioaerosols. At least 60 % increasing of discharging rate of bioaerosol is attributed to the arrival of one or two trains at the subway platform compared with the scenario with no train arriving. Results from risk assessment with improved Wells-Riley model estimate 57.62 % of maximum infectivity probability with no train arriving. Large areas near the source at the platform floor still cannot be considered safe within 20 min. For the other two scenarios where trains arrive at the platform, the maximum probability of infection is below 5 %. Moreover, the majority of train carriages can be regarded as safe zones, as the ventilation across the screen door are mostly directed towards the platform. Additionally, releasing the bioaerosols at the platform floor poses the most severe threats to human health, and the corresponding evacuation strategies are suggested. These findings offer practical guidance for the design of the intra-urban microclimate, reinforcing the need for exposure reduction device or contingency plans, and providing potential evacuation strategy towards improved health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Liu
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Mingtao Ding
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Chenxing Hu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Rui Rong
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Chaofan Lin
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Guangpeng Yao
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
| | - Xuqiang Shao
- Department of Computer Science, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei, 071003, PR China
| | - Guangya Jin
- Department of Power Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, Hebei 071003, China
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Zhu J, Jiang Q, Ye Y, He X, Shao J, Li X, Zhao X, Xu H, Hu Q. Water-blocking Asphyxia of N95 Medical Respirator During Hot Environment Work Tasks With Whole-body Enclosed Anti-bioaerosol Suit. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:457-466. [PMID: 38187212 PMCID: PMC10770281 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During hot environment work tasks with whole-body enclosed anti-bioaerosol suit, the combined effect of heavy sweating and exhaled hot humid air may cause the N95 medical respirator to saturate with water/sweat (i.e., water-blocking). Methods 32 young male subjects with different body mass indexes (BMI) in whole-body protection (N95 medical respirator + one-piece protective suit + head covering + protective face screen + gloves + shoe covers) were asked to simulate waste collecting from each isolated room in a seven-story building at 27-28°C, and the weight, inhalation resistance (Rf), and aerosol penetration of the respirator before worn and after water-blocking were analyzed. Results All subjects reported water-blocking asphyxia of the N95 respirators within 36-67 min of the task. When water-blocking occurred, the Rf and 10-200 nm total aerosol penetration (Pt) of the respirators reached up to 1270-1810 Pa and 17.3-23.3%, respectively, which were 10 and 8 times of that before wearing. The most penetration particle size of the respirators increased from 49-65 nm before worn to 115-154 nm under water-blocking condition, and the corresponding maximum size-dependent aerosol penetration increased from 2.5-3.5% to 20-27%. With the increase of BMI, the water-blocking occurrence time firstly increased then reduced, while the Rf, Pt, and absorbed water all increased significantly. Conclusions This study reveals respirator water-blocking and its serious negative impacts on respiratory protection. When performing moderate-to-high-load tasks with whole-body protection in a hot environment, it is recommended that respirator be replaced with a new one at least every hour to avoid water-blocking asphyxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintuo Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines (China University of Mining and Technology), Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Professional Laboratory for Fundamental Research of Mine Gas and Dust Control Technology, School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qijun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines (China University of Mining and Technology), Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Professional Laboratory for Fundamental Research of Mine Gas and Dust Control Technology, School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxuan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines (China University of Mining and Technology), Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Professional Laboratory for Fundamental Research of Mine Gas and Dust Control Technology, School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinjian He
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines (China University of Mining and Technology), Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Professional Laboratory for Fundamental Research of Mine Gas and Dust Control Technology, School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiang Shao
- School of Architecture & Design, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines (China University of Mining and Technology), Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Professional Laboratory for Fundamental Research of Mine Gas and Dust Control Technology, School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xijie Zhao
- School of Architecture & Design, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Xu
- School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines (China University of Mining and Technology), Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Professional Laboratory for Fundamental Research of Mine Gas and Dust Control Technology, School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Zhang S, Wang N, Zhang Q, Guan R, Qu Z, Sun L, Li J. The Rise of Electroactive Materials in Face Masks for Preventing Virus Infections. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:48839-48854. [PMID: 37815875 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Air-transmitted pathogens may cause severe epidemics, posing considerable threats to public health and safety. Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to prevent respiratory virus infection transmission. Especially since the new coronavirus pandemic, electroactive materials have received much attention in antiviral face masks due to their highly efficient antiviral capabilities, flexible structural design, excellent sustainability, and outstanding safety. This review first introduces the mechanism for preventing viral infection or the inactivation of viruses by electroactive materials. Then, the applications of electrostatic-, conductive-, triboelectric-, and microbattery-based materials in face masks are described in detail. Finally, the problems of various electroactive antiviral materials are summarized, and the prospects for their future development directions are discussed. In conclusion, electroactive materials have attracted great attention for antiviral face masks, and this review will provide a reference for materials scientists and engineers in antiviral materials and interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Zhang
- College of Textiles and Clothing, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Wang
- College of Textiles and Clothing, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
- Industrial Research Institute of Nonwovens and Technical Textiles, Shandong Center for Engineered Nonwovens, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Respirology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao 266034, People's Republic of China
| | - Renzheng Guan
- College of Textiles and Clothing, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghai Qu
- College of Textiles and Clothing, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Lirong Sun
- College of Textiles and Clothing, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiwei Li
- College of Textiles and Clothing, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
- Industrial Research Institute of Nonwovens and Technical Textiles, Shandong Center for Engineered Nonwovens, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
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Cimini A, Imperi E, Picano A, Rossi M. Electrospun nanofibers for medical face mask with protection capabilities against viruses: State of the art and perspective for industrial scale-up. APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY 2023; 32:101833. [PMID: 37152683 PMCID: PMC10151159 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Face masks have proven to be a useful protection from airborne viruses and bacteria, especially in the recent years pandemic outbreak when they effectively lowered the risk of infection from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or Omicron variants, being recognized as one of the main protective measures adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The need for improving the filtering efficiency performance to prevent penetration of fine particulate matter (PM), which can be potential bacteria or virus carriers, has led the research into developing new methods and techniques for face mask fabrication. In this perspective, Electrospinning has shown to be the most efficient technique to get either synthetic or natural polymers-based fibers with size down to the nanoscale providing remarkable performance in terms of both particle filtration and breathability. The aim of this Review is to give further insight into the implementation of electrospun nanofibers for the realization of the next generation of face masks, with functionalized membranes via addiction of active material to the polymer solutions that can give optimal features about antibacterial, antiviral, self-sterilization, and electrical energy storage capabilities. Furthermore, the recent advances regarding the use of renewable materials and green solvent strategies to improve the sustainability of electrospun membranes and to fabricate eco-friendly filters are here discussed, especially in view of the large-scale nanofiber production where traditional membrane manufacturing may result in a high environmental and health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cimini
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome 00161, Italy
- LABOR s.r.l., Industrial Research Laboratory, Via Giacomo Peroni, 386, Rome, Italy
| | - E Imperi
- LABOR s.r.l., Industrial Research Laboratory, Via Giacomo Peroni, 386, Rome, Italy
| | - A Picano
- LABOR s.r.l., Industrial Research Laboratory, Via Giacomo Peroni, 386, Rome, Italy
| | - M Rossi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome 00161, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnology for Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), University of Rome Sapienza, Rome 00185, Italy
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Yang Y, Yang Y, Huang J, Li S, Meng Z, Cai W, Lai Y. Electrospun Nanocomposite Fibrous Membranes for Sustainable Face Mask Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator with High Air Filtration Efficiency. ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS 2023; 5:1-14. [PMID: 37361106 PMCID: PMC10184097 DOI: 10.1007/s42765-023-00299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Air pollution caused by the rapid development of industry has always been a great issue to the environment and human being's health. However, the efficient and persistent filtration to PM0.3 remains a great challenge. Herein, a self-powered filter with micro-nano composite structure composed of polybutanediol succinate (PBS) nanofiber membrane and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber/polystyrene (PS) microfiber hybrid mats was prepared by electrospinning. The balance between pressure drop and filtration efficiency was achieved through the combination of PAN and PS. In addition, an arched TENG structure was created using the PAN nanofiber/PS microfiber composite mat and PBS fiber membrane. Driven by respiration, the two fiber membranes with large difference in electronegativity achieved contact friction charging cycles. The open-circuit voltage of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can reach to about 8 V, and thus the high filtration efficiency for particles was achieved by the electrostatic capturing. After contact charging, the filtration efficiency of the fiber membrane for PM0.3 can reach more than 98% in harsh environments with a PM2.5 mass concentration of 23,000 µg/m3, and the pressure drop is about 50 Pa, which doesn't affect people's normal breathing. Meanwhile, the TENG can realize self-powered supply by continuously contacting and separating the fiber membrane driven by respiration, which can ensure the long-term stability of filtration efficiency. The filter mask can maintain a high filtration efficiency (99.4%) of PM0.3 for 48 consecutive hours in daily environments. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42765-023-00299-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 350116 Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Yang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 350116 Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 362801 Quanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianying Huang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 350116 Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 362801 Quanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuhui Li
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ UK
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Zhejiang 325000 Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheyi Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, 201620 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weilong Cai
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 350116 Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 362801 Quanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuekun Lai
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, 350116 Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 362801 Quanzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Checchi V, Montevecchi M, Valeriani L, Checchi L. Bioburden Variation of Filtering Face Piece Respirators over Time: A Preliminary Study. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:8790. [PMID: 36556594 PMCID: PMC9785761 DOI: 10.3390/ma15248790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microbial contamination of a respirator can be evaluated through a count of the number of bacteria living on a non-sterilized surface (bioburden). This preliminary study investigated the external contamination of two different FFP2s over time by studying the bioburden values in increasing exposure times. METHODS FFP2 respirators of two different brands were used during routine clinical settings and examined through the bioburden test; for each brand, three devices were tested at 8, 16, and 30 h. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between mask brands (p = 0.113). There were only significant CFU differences between each mask and its control (p = 0.027 and p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Both brands of respirators were found to be contaminated and this contamination increased with the increase in exposure time. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact amount of contamination that could be considered acceptable before discarding each used mask.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Checchi
- Unit of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Montevecchi
- Unit of Dentistry, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Leoluca Valeriani
- Unit of Dentistry, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Checchi
- Unit of Dentistry, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
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