• 한국컴퓨터정보학회논문지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.179-185
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• 2022

연구의 목적은 신종 코로나바이러스 감염증(코로나-19) 예방을 위한 마스크 사용에 따른 마스크 속 구강건강의 부정적 요인과 구강건강관리의 중요성에 대한 기초자료를 제공하고자 한다. 2021년 5월 3일부터 31일까지 전국에 있는 20~59세의 성인 232명을 대상으로 설문조사 후 통계분석 하였다. 마스크 선택은 남자 63.9%, 여자 61.3%로 남녀 모두 KF_94 마스크를 높게 선택하였으며 연령이 높을수록 KF_94 마스크를 선택하는 것으로 나타났다. 마스크 착용에 의한 자가 구강건조감과 구취에 대한 인식은 면 마스크 착용하는 군에서 구강건조를 높게 느끼는 것으로 나타났으며 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 마스크 종류는 구강건조감(r=.142, p<.05), 연령(r=.234, p<.01)과 유의한 정적 상관관계가 있었다. 마스크 착용시간은 연령(r=.158, p<.05)과 유의한 정적 상관관계가 있었고, 직업에 따라서는 부적상관관계로 나타났으며 통계적으로 유의하였다(r=-.472, p<.01). 구강건조감은 구취(r=3.04, p<.01), 연령(r=.224, p<.01)과 통계적으로 유의한 정적상관관계를 보였다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.48-56
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• 2024

Objectives: The coronavirus pandemic that began in 2019(COVID-19) has been one of the worst pandemics of the 21st century. Masks have been used to prevent COVID-19, but there are currently no standards for the long-term use of masks in the Republic of Korea. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological safety of KF94(Korea Filter 94) disposable face masks according to wearing duration by evaluating the bacterial filtration efficiencies of masks worn by research participants. Methods: A commercially available KF94 mask certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety(MFDS) in the Republic of Korea was selected as the test mask. The research participants(n = 15) wore masks for the durations of one, three, and seven days. Participants also reported several parameters, including wearing time, makeup frequency, and storage. Bacterial filtration efficiencies of the worn masks were measured by a mask bioaerosol filtration tester. Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) was used as the test bacteria and quantitatively measured through the cultivation method. Then, bacterial filtration efficiency was calculated using the formula suggested by the MFDS. Results: All worn masks showed over 99.98% of mean bacterial filtration efficiency for S. aureus. There were no significant differences among bacterial filtration efficiencies of face masks according to wearing duration. There was also no significant difference among bacterial filtration efficiencies among participants. There was no correlation between the results of bacterial filtration efficiencies and reported parameters from participants. Conclusions: In the absence of significant external damage to the mask, the bacterial filtration efficiency of the mask can be maintained even after seven days of wearing. This result suggests that KF94 masks certified by the MFDS can be used repeatedly for about a week without loss of bacterial filtration efficiency.

• 한국입자에어로졸학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.191-202
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• 2019

In this study, performance (particle removal efficiency and breathing resistance) of several commercially available face masks (electrostatic filter masks (KF80 certified), a nanofiber filter mask (KF80 certified), and an uncertified mask) with their filter structure and composition were evaluated. Also, effects of relative humidity (RH) of incoming air, water and alcohol exposure, and reusability on performance of face masks were examined. Monodisperse and polydisperse sodium chloride particles were used as test aerosols. Except the uncertified mask filter, PM_2.5 removal efficiency was found to be higher than 90%, and the nanofiber filter mask had the highest quality factor due to the low pressure drop and high removal efficiency (nanofibers were arranged in a densely packed pore structure and contained a significant amount of fluorine in addition to carbon and oxygen). In the case of the KF80 certified mask, the removal efficiency was little affected when the RH of incoming air increased. When the mask filters were soaked in water, the removal efficiency of mask filters was degraded. In particular, the uncertified mask filter showed the highest removal efficiency degradation (26%). When the mask was soaked in alcohol, the removal efficiency also decreased with the greater degree than the water soaking case. The nanofiber mask filter showed the strongest resistance to alcohol exposure among tested mask filters. During evaluation of reusability of masks in real life, the removal efficiency of certified mask filter was less than 4% for 5 consecutive days (2 hours per day), while the removal efficiency of uncertified mask filter significantly decreased by 30% after 5 days.

• 한국의류학회지
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.417-432
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• 2024

This study aimed to enhance the comfort of health masks by conducting in-depth interviews, online surveys, and wearing tests on commercial health masks. The findings are summarized below. In-depth interviews revealed that the most comfortable mask styles were ranked as follows: Beak-1 (B-1) & Beak-2 (B-2) style > Flat style > 3-Horizontal foldable (3H) style. Men generally preferred flat style masks, while women favored beak-shaped masks. The internet survey results showed that 77.8% of surveyed brands offered a variety of mask styles, with 3H and B-2 masks being the most common. Different brands provided masks with different filtration levels, ranging from KF-AD to KF94. Size consistency also varied among brands, with flat masks having relatively consistent dimensions and B-2 masks showing significant size differences. Wearing tests indicated that 3H and B-1 masks were highly satisfying for categories like "itchiness," "unpleasant odor," and "mask slipping." Conversely, flat masks scored the highest satisfaction in classifications such as "stiff," "heavy," "thick," "hot while wearing it," "moisture accumulation," "breathing discomfort," "short ear straps," and "itchiness". Overall, the flat style, B-1, and B-2 yielded higher satisfaction levels, while 4-Horizontal foldable (4H) and 3H garnered lower satisfaction scores on wearing tests.

• 한국포장학회지
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.73-83
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• 2024

In this study, environmental evaluation of high barrier coated paper (coating layer/paper) packaging is conducted in comparison with conventional aluminum laminated (PET/VMPET/LLDPE) plastic packaging. The target product for this packaging is a KF94 mask, which requires a high barrier of water and oxygen to maintain the filtration ability of the mask filter. The functional unit of this study is 10,000 mask packaging materials based on a material capable of blocking oxygen (<1 g/m²day) and moisture (<3 g/m²day) for the preservation of KF94 masks. In order to understand the results easily, paper-based mask packaging system divided into 6 stages (pulp, pulping & paper making, calendaring & coating, printing, packing and waste management), while plastic-based mask packaging consists of 5 stages (material production, processing, printing, packing, waste management) In case of paper-based mask packaging, most contributing stage is calendaring & coating, resulting from heat and electricity production. On the other hand, plastic-based mask packaging is contributed more than 30% by material production, specifically due to linear low density polyethylene and purified terephthalic acid production. The comparison results show that global warming potential of paper-based mask packaging has 32% lower than that of plastic-based mask packaging. Most of other impact indicators revealed in similar trend.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.149-155
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• 2022

Purpose : This study investigated the effects of wearing a mask and different mask filters on the respiratory function of stroke patients. Methods : A total of 15 stroke patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The respiratory functions were compared between participants with and without masks and among respiratory functions with three different mask filters. The order of using masks was non-wearing masks, Dental masks, KF80 masks, and KF94 masks; the difference in respiratory volumes among these conditions were measured. For accuracy of the measurement, sufficient education on the respiratory measurement method was provided to the researcher, and the heart rate of the participants was estimated to confirm their stability before the measurements. To ensure accuracy, the subjects were educated on the researchers' respiratory measurement methods. Each measurement was followed by 10 min breathing stability before replacing the next mask. Results : The results of this study showed that the difference in respiratory functions, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), in stroke patients was statistically significant among different masks (p<.05). Afterwards, the values of FVC, FEV₁, and MVV in stroke patients wearing masks were significantly lower than those of the non-masked control group (p<.05). The difference in respiratory functions with different mask filters showed no statistical significance (p<.05). Conclusion : This study showed that participants wearing any of the masks presented a lower respiratory function than that of those without using masks; additionally, no difference in respiratory functions was observed with differences in mask filters. Therefore, wearing a mask for a prolonged period is confirmed to affect breathing in stroke patients with weak respiratory function.

• 한국의상디자인학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.113-125
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• 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the normalization of mask-wearing worldwide, and young children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Children's masks come in various sizes and shapes, causing confusion among consumers who struggle to find products that can accommodate their child's unique physical conditions. This research aims to analyze the shape and dimensions of health masks designed for young children. A total of 67 mask varieties were collected, and 58 were subjected to analysis. The masks were found to have two primary shapes: foldable and beak-like, with sizes categorized as small and extra-small. The majority of masks were manufactured in Korea, and the size labeling systems varied among manufacturers. The mask materials were non-woven fabric or polypropylene, and there was diversity in terms of the adjustable earbands and the use of additional accessories. The dimensions of the masks varied depending on their shape, with significant differences in the weight and the length of the wire holes. Subsequent research should focus on conducting wearability evaluations to verify the dimensional suitability of commercially available children's health masks based on shape and size. Additionally, this study aims to provide foundational data that can assist in the development of children's masks with size ranges that differentiate them from adult masks and cater to specific age groups.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.134-141
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• 2019

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.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.317-321
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• 2022

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, wearing face masks is obligatory to prevent respiratory virus transmissions in the community. However, there are few studies of the desirable number of wearing a face mask, and how to store them for reuse. Therefore, in this study, a survey was conducted among 208 healthy adults, and 27 kf-94 masks worn for 1, 2, and 3 days were collected. To estimate the risk of bacterial contamination, we analyzed the extent of bacterial contamination of the BHI medium and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. With an increase in the number of days of using the mask, the degree of bacterial contamination of the used mask gradually increased. As a result of 16S rRNA PCR performed for strain identification, Staphylococcus, known as a pathogenic bacterium, was identified the most. In conclusion, we found that wearing a cotton KF mask provides an optimal environment for microbes, which are related to the skin and respiratory system, to thrive. Therefore, it is also important to reduce the risk of bacterial infection of the face mask with appropriate sterilization methods.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.245-253
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• 2015

Objectives: One aim of the study is to compare filtering facepiece masks for healthcare workers between Korea and other countries. The other is to emphasize the importance of fit testing for these masks using an analysis of previous research. Materials: An extensive literature review was performed by searching a number of websites and existing studies. Results: KF94 and KF99 masks certified by the Korean CDC are suitable for healthcare workers as filtering facepiece masks. The standards for these respirators are similar to FFP2 and FFP3 of EN 143 and 149. The performance, such as filtering efficiency, is almost the same between KP94 and N95. It was found that fit testing of respirators for healthcare workers was important to reduce infection risk. Conclusions: KF94 should be emphasized as filtering facepiece masks for healthcare workers rather than N95. Even though Korea has no fit testing regulations, implementing fit testing in healthcare settings is strongly recommended to decrease infection risk.