Fischell Institute Continues Fit-Test Work for Children's Face Coverings
Fischell Institute engineers are continuing their work to capture data that could one day shed light on the fit and efficacy of airway personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect children from COVID-19 or other airborne diseases. Currently, there is no existing U.S. standard for pediatric populations.
Recognizing that children have diverse facial anatomy, the Fischell Foundry is using a TSI Portacount Respirator Fit Tester to develop and assess quantitative fit tests for both children and adult wearers of protecting face coverings, including KN95 respirators. In addition, they're using state-of-the-art respirator testing equipment to assess the performance of airway PPE when exposed to aerosolized particles.
Last year, the Fischell Institute began working with Aegle, a Texas-based manufacturer of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, to provide fit and efficacy data. Aegle aims to develop a five-layer children’s face covering to provide safe and reliable protection against transmission of the COVID-19 virus, other airborne particles, and pollution from wildfires. According to a company press release, the mask will be designed to provide PPE that is comfortable, compliant, and compatible with children’s health and development.
This builds on the Fischell Institute's foundational work during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, which brought together clinicians, technicians, and manufacturers – including from Walter Reed, Children's National Hospital, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and others – in partnership to produce and deploy effective and comfortable masks for tens of thousands of individuals.
Read the recent Baltimore Sun article highlighting the Fischell Institute's efforts or watch a feature segment from WBAL-TV.
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