When the pandemic broke loose, face masks and face shields became the norm. Either while flying or visiting a loved one at the hospital, face masks became an integral part of the PPE kit.
However, a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia reveals that face shields failed in providing a high level of protection against the novel coronavirus.?
The study looked at 13 kinds of face shields in a controlled lab setting. They made use of a 'coughing machine' that ejected fluorescent drops onto manikin heads. How much the manikin face got contaminated was further graded.?
While all face shields offered some level of protection, none were able to offer a high level of protection against external droplets.?
Dr Julii Brainard, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, explained, The lab tests showed that all of the face shields provided some protection, but none gave high levels of protection against external droplet contamination. The level of protection provided was influenced by design features, as well as which way the manikin had its head turned when it was 'coughed' at.¡±
Brainard added, "We found that large gaps around the sides, and sometimes the bottom or top, allow respiratory droplets from other people to get to the face and this means exposure to possible viruses. The shields that offered most protection were closed across the forehead and extended well around the sides of the face and below the chin.¡±
Researchers did highlight that the chances of droplets getting around the shield onto the face from just speaking are much lower.?
Along with this, researchers also surveyed health care workers working in middle-income nations such as Brazil, Nigeria on their views on using face shields as a part of their PPE. Researchers were curious on how users cleaned their PPE and what mattered while wearing a particular PPE.
Dr Brainard added, "Not surprisingly, we found that people want proven protective products that are comfortable, stable on their head, easy to clean and that don't look strange.¡±
Researchers also found that they preferred cleaning the face shields with methylated or surgical spirits as well as water and soap. They also found some cleaning chemicals were incompatible with coatings on the shields intended to prevent fogging or facilitate quick drying. Most also found fogging to be a major concern.
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