Wearing respiratory masks has proven to be an effective measure to protect against viral infection. During the corona pandemic, wearing a mask was therefore mandatory in certain areas for a long time. Depending on the infection situation, recommendations were made on wearing a mask and a type of mask. Initially, fabric masks (mouth and nose coverings, MNB) were recommended, but the recommendations and specifications later changed to surgical masks (mouth and nose protection, MNS) and FFP2 masks. This was particularly true when a minimum distance could not be maintained indoors, for example on public transport, but also in workplaces and educational institutions. Due to differences in anatomy and physiology, findings from adult studies, for example the IPA mask study, cannot be transferred to children and adolescents.
51 students participated in the IPA School Mask Study, which was initiated by the Educational Institutions Department of the DGUV and the accident insurance funds and carried out in cooperation with the University Children's Hospital in Bochum. Children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 14 were examined in three modules with regard to their respiratory mechanics (Module 2), their respiratory physiology at rest (Module 3a) and under physical stress (Module 3b). In addition, classroom measurements (Module 4) were carried out. The examinations were carried out with two certified masks in comparison to the situation without a mask. The masks used were an MNS and an FFP2 mask, each in size XS-S.
Level of Education: School
Lead Organisation: IPA/DGUV
