My daily scans of Covid related information found two things that may impact some of the discussions we've been having:
1. A CDC blog entry on Skin Irritation from Prolonged Use of Tight-Fitting Respirators at
https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/08/04/skin-irritation-respirators/
From reports of our staff at Keene State who are working outside wearing masks in a hot NH summer, I think that the physical downsides of masks (skin irritation and fatigue, loss of communication cues) need to be considered to maintain the long term viability of this protection strategy.
2. An article in National Geographic entitled "Measure the risk of airborne COVID-19 in your office, classroom, or bus ride" at
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/08/how-to-measure-risk-airborne-coronavirus-your-office-classroom-bus-ride-cvd/
I really appreciate the article's emphasis on time of exposure as an important element in risk assessment, but I suspect EHS people should ready to address confusion that could arise when less technical people who read and try to use the models included in this article.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859
ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu
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