Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Characteristics of Health Masks Certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

식품의약품안전처에서 허가된 보건용 마스크의 특성 분석

  • Ham, Seunghon (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine) ;
  • Choi, Won-Jun (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Wanhyung (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kang, Seong-Kyu (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine)
  • 함승헌 (가천대학교 의과대학 길병원 직업환경의학과) ;
  • 최원준 (가천대학교 의과대학 길병원 직업환경의학과) ;
  • 이완형 (가천대학교 의과대학 길병원 직업환경의학과) ;
  • 강성규 (가천대학교 의과대학 길병원 직업환경의학과)
  • Received : 2019.03.26
  • Accepted : 2019.04.09
  • Published : 2019.04.30
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Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the characteristics of health masks and to suggest the proper selection and use of protecting the respiratory system from particulate matters. Methods: The National Standard of masks promulgated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) were reviewed. The raw data of certified health masks were obtained from the MFDS database. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 543 masks were certified by MFDS as of March 2019. Numbers of certified masks as KF80 (Korea Filter), KF94 and KF99 were 257 (47.3%), 281 (51.8%), and 5 (0.9%), respectively. Names of health masks, which were yellow sand, communicable diseases, health or its combination, were diverse that made customers be confused in selection. Health masks were also classified by particulate size, however, detailed information was not available. Conclusions: We investigated the status of health mask certification in Korea. Appropriate information on KF grade of health masks is required for customers to use them properly. MFDS should update the certification system of health masks periodically.

Keywords

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