Facemask use by children during infectious disease outbreaks.
Biosecur Bioterror 2011 Sep; 9(3):225-231
An overview of available literature on the use of protective facemasks by children for protection from respiratory infectious agents reveals relatively few articles dealing specifically with the topic, despite their use during recent outbreaks (eg, severe acute respiratory syndrome, pandemic influenza). Little is known about the physiological and psychological burdens imposed by these devices and a child's ability to correctly use and tolerate them. This article focuses on the myriad issues associated with protective facemask use by children in the hope of educating public health personnel, healthcare professionals, and families on their limitations and associated risks, and in the hope of fostering much-needed research.
Humans; Children; Face-masks; Respiratory-infections; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Respiratory-protection; Infection-control; Physiological-factors; Psychological-factors
Raymond Roberge, MD, MPH, Technology Research Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Healthcare and Social Assistance
Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice and Science