The use of face masks is among the measures taken to prevent person-to-person transmissionof the virus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Lately, concern wasexpressed about the possibility that carbon dioxide could build up in the mask over time, causingmedical issues related to the respiratory system. In this study, the carbon dioxide concentrationin the breathing zone was measured while wearing a surgical mask, a KN95 and a cloth mask. Forthe surgical mask, the concentration was determined under different conditions (office work,slow walking, and fast walking). Measurements were made using a modified indoor air qualitymeter equipped with a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensor. Detected carbon dioxideconcentrations ranged from 2150 ± 192 to 2875 ± 323 ppm. The concentrations of carbon dioxidewhile not wearing a face mask varied from 500–900 ppm. Doing office work and standing still onthe treadmill each resulted in carbon dioxide concentrations of around 2200 ppm. A smallincrease could be observed when walking at a speed of 3 km h–1(leisurely walking pace). Walkingat a speed of 5 km h–1, which corresponds to medium activity with breathing through the mouth,resulted in an average carbon dioxide concentration of 2875 ppm. No differences were observedamong the three types of face masks tested. According to the literature, these concentrationshave no toxicological effect. However, concentrations in the detected range can causeundesirable symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, and loss of concentration.
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