Saliha Saad Saliha.Saad@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences
Abstract
Background
Wearing of facemasks has transcended the era of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and has gradually become incorporated into fashion and our daily lives, especially in large gatherings and public spaces. However, prolonged usage of masks has been reported to; harness dryness in the mouth due to a decline in the intake of fluids and verbal communication; decrease hygienic oral health practices including toothbrushing, thereby increasing the susceptibility to oral malodour and other related oral health conditions. Further to this, there have been reports of increased awareness of breath, including the breath temperature, and smell, at varying intervals of mask use, optimally causing a scare of breath shortness. The reason for this remains unknown. This study aims to elucidate more on the probable cause of the increase in breath awareness through the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath and the mask being used.
Methods
Consenting Participants (n=4) confirmed that they were healthy. They were advised to have a light breakfast at least 4 hours before the experiment and also, refrain from the use of heavy deodorants and related substances that could interfere with the study. For baseline concentration, an unused 3-ply facemask in a sealed tedlar bag and the breath of participants were initially analysed using Selected Ion Flow tube-Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Participants were then administered 3-ply facemasks to be worn. The breath analysis and the analysis of the VOCs from the mask being used were then carried out hourly for 5 hours using the SIFT-MS. . Microsoft Excel(2018) was used for statistical tests and visual representations of data.
Conclusion
This study shows that 3-ply facemasks have abilities to absorb and retain significant levels of butanoic acid, methyl mercaptan and cadaverine and upon saturation, there are increased chances of breath awareness by users.
Presentation Conference Type
Poster
Conference Name
International Conference on Oral Malodour 2 (ICOM2)
