Industry professionals are invited to join AATCC and Duke University researcher, Dr. David Grass, Ph.D., September 24 at 11 AM (EDT) for a live presentation and Q&A to learn more about a recent study exploring a variety of facemask styles and their efficacy in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and similarly transmitted viruses.

Mandates for mask use in public during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, worsened by global shortage of commercial supplies, have led to widespread use of homemade masks and mask alternatives. It is assumed that wearing such masks reduces the likelihood for an infected person to spread the disease, but many of these mask designs have not been tested in practice. 

The research team has demonstrated a simple optical measurement method to evaluate the efficacy of masks to reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech. In proof-of-principle studies, they compared a variety of commonly available mask types and observed that some mask types approach the performance of standard surgical masks, while some mask alternatives, such as neck fleece or bandanas, offer very little protection. The measurement setup is inexpensive and can be built and operated by non-experts, allowing for rapid evaluation of mask performance during speech, sneezing, or coughing.

Dr. Grass is a postdoctoral fellow at Duke University, working on early detection of metastatic melanoma (skin cancer) with ultrafast spectroscopy and microscopy. He is a recipient of the Walter Benjamin Fellowship. 

This webinar is offered at no cost to individual and corporate members of AATCC and at a 70% discount ($45) for nonmembers. You may register via the AATCC website,  www.aatcc.org/aatcc-events/facemask.

Join the live session to ask questions of Dr. Grass or view the recording at your convenience.

About AATCC: Founded as the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), the Association continues to evolve to meet the needs of those in the ever-changing textile, apparel, and materials industries. AATCC has served textile professionals since 1921. Today, the Association provides test method development, quality control materials, education, and professional networking for a global audience.