Abstract

A personal shield against the novel coronavirus pandemic is a major concern for health workers and patients in hospitals. In current review article an evaluation of effectiveness of surgical mask and respirators against novel SARS-CoV-2 is done by critical analysis of surgical masks, respirators and spreading mode of COVID-19 disease. The surgical masks have 32.9% particles filtration capability for standard lab aerosol test. Practically respirators also show less filtration capability from designed value. Hence surgical masks are not intended for protection against viral aerosol. Statistical analysis shows that N95 respirator is only beneficial for low inhalation flow rate (6l min-1). For high inhalation flow rate, and clinical encounters where spreading of COVID-19 disease is significance through eyes, N95 respirators are not efficient.

Keywords: Corona Virus; N95; Respirators; Surgical Masks; Filtration