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KMID : 1039220230330040395
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2023 Volume.33 No. 4 p.395 ~ p.402
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Microbial Contamination of Masks Worn by Healthcare Professionals
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Seo Hye-kyung
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Abstract
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Objectives: Microbial contamination of face masks used by healthcare professionals can vary depending on the degree of exposure to bioaerosols in various healthcare environments. However, research on this topic is limited. Therefore, we analyzed microbial contamination of N95 respirators used in hospital offices, wards, and outpatient settings.
Methods: Samples isolated from N95 respirators worn for 2, 4, and 6 hours were incubated at a temperature of 35?37°C or 25?28°C for 24 hours or for 3?7 days, and colony-forming units were counted in chocolate agar, tryptic soy agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Total indoor airborne bacteria were also measured in the healthcare environments. Finally, microbial species were identified using Gram staining with a microscopic speculum.
Results: The three types of environments did not deviate from the maintenance of standard indoor air quality. There was no difference between the microbial species identified in the healthcare environment and mask contamination. However, the number of bacteria in the masks worn in each environment differed, and the degree of contamination increased with mask-wearing time (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Therefore, care must be taken to avoid recontamination of masks due to improper use and exposure to biological hazards in healthcare environments. In conclusion, scientific evidence is necessary for safe mask-wearing times. Based on the results of this study, we hope to conduct further research to establish guidelines for the safe use of face masks during respiratory disease epidemics.
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KEYWORD
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biological hazard, healthcare professionals, N95 respirator, microbial contamination
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