Effect of Melt-Blown (MB) filter fibers of facial masks on lung tissues

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety of Melt-Blown (MB) filter fibers used in facial masks and their potential effects on lung tissues. Participants draw parallels between MB filters and asbestos, noting that both involve fine fibers that can cause lung damage. The concern arises from the fact that MB filters can filter particles as small as 0.1 micrometers, similar to the harmful properties of asbestos. The conversation emphasizes the need for further investigation into the long-term health implications of inhaling particles from MB filters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Melt-Blown (MB) filter technology
  • Knowledge of respiratory health and lung tissue effects
  • Familiarity with asbestos and its health risks
  • Awareness of particle size and filtration efficiency
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the health effects of inhaling Melt-Blown (MB) filter fibers
  • Investigate the manufacturing processes of MB filters compared to asbestos
  • Explore regulations and safety standards for facial mask materials
  • Study the long-term impact of fine particulate matter on respiratory health
USEFUL FOR

Health professionals, researchers in respiratory medicine, safety regulators, and manufacturers of personal protective equipment will benefit from this discussion.

Shinyoung Noh
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TL;DR
I heard Asbestos or rockwool(?) is cancer causing material since its fiber is too thin (<3um),
I also heard glass wool is still safe to use since its fiber is thick(>4um)

Then I see some high-grade facial masks which has <3um thin fibers for filtration and they are sticked to the noses to be used.
How is it safer compared to Asbestos ?
I came up with a curiosity whether having a facial mask on face to breathe can actually be safe to lungs in the following aspect.

I remember when I was young, Asbestos was so popularly used in construction.
and now, people wear Hazmat suits to remove any remaining Asbestos since it is first-class(?) cancer causing material.
I heard Asbestos is harmful because the fiber is too thin, makes fine dusts which gets into lungs, never gets digested, causes inflammation which ends up being a cancer.
I also heard glass wool is still used and is safe because its fiber is thick (>5um), does not make fine dusts floating around in the air, therefore,never gets into lungs.

Then, I see many high-grade facial mask products emphasizing upto how small particles they can filter.
One of the commercial I saw was saying their mask can filter max-level fine dust since their filter's fiber is ~0.1 um.

I see most of facial masks uses Melt-Blown(MB) filters which is similar or the same process of making Asbestos and glass wools.

Then, I do not see how it can be safe to be place right on the nose to inhale.
 
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