Protective surgical apparel can play an important role in minimizing disease transmission in the operating theater. Bacterial and viral diseases are spread through both airborne and bloodborne pathways. Surgical apparel can reduce the transfer of microorganisms by creating a physical barrier between the infection source and a healthy individual. The study of small particle and liquid transmission through nonwoven products used in protective apparel and other filter media is of importance. This area of study, with reference to surgical facemasks, is of interest as masks are now expected to act as protective barriers. The transmission mechanism of small particles and liquids through surgical face masks using two exposure methods is discussed. The methods of exposure reflect fluid resistance (liquid) and filtration efficiency (aerosol). Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy was used to determine the location of the particle within the face mask. This study was not designed to evaluate the barrier properties, but rather, to evaluate the mechanism of transmission of the liquid and small particles through selected face masks when two methods of exposure were used (aerosol and liquid).
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