The control of an infectious disease is based on knowledge of its mode of transmission. Lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed to halt the spread of COVID-19 have led to devastating economic repercussions. The world is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus causing the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, for example, emerged in the Middle East but caused an outbreak in Korea. Given how interconnected the world is today, a pathogen capable of human-to-human transmission can spark an outbreak far from where it originated. IntroductionĮmerging and reemerging infections have emerged as a threat to human health in recent decades. This review will cover mask-wearing from the public health perspective, the technical details of commercial and home-made masks, and recent advances in mask engineering, disinfection, and materials and discuss the sustainability of mask-wearing and mask production into the future. At the same time, research has been accelerated towards improving the quality and performance of face masks, e.g., by introducing properties such as antimicrobial activity and superhydrophobicity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has even resulted in a global shortage of face masks and the raw materials that go into them, driving individuals to self-produce masks from household items.

Different types of masks give different levels of protection to the user. Routes of transmission differ, but the respiratory droplet or airborne route has the greatest potential to disrupt social intercourse, while being amenable to prevention by the humble face mask. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases in recent decades has posed a serious threat to public health.

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