From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU> On Behalf Of Yamaira Gonzalez
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2020 8:32 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Wearing cloth mask in the lab

What is the latest about wearing cloth mask while doing lab work? Does anyone know of a good article? Pros and cons.

Regards,  yamy

On Fri, Apr 24, 2020 at 9:27 AM, Stuart, Ralph

<Ralph.Stuart**At_Symbol_Here**KEENE.EDU> wrote:

> In fact, just compiling a list of coronavirus-related issues that should be addressed  would be valuable. 
> 
I'll throw one in: An issue I am concerned about in regard to reopening any public area is the cloth mask protocol. Cloth masks are community health measures rather than personal safety measures, so I would be reluctant to impose OSHA style expectations on the use of cloth masks by the public. On the other hand, I can imagine that these masks are likely to become reservoirs for many contaminants beyond the Covid virus.

I think that we face a major challenge in maintaining the quality of the cloth masks if we ask people to wear them in public areas while relying on the wearers to maintain them. I suspect that professional laundry services will be required to assure co-workers and the community that the masks are being appropriately cleaned.

A related question is: Are labs public areas? Few academic labs I have seen have security protocols that control who enters them and it will take a significant change in both protocol and culture in change this situation.

Thanks for asking an interesting question.

- Ralph


Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859

ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu

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