Figure 222-1. Electron micrograph of a typical coronavirus. Negative-contrast electron micrograph of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV). The typical crown-like spike proteins on the surface of the coronavirus particles are shown.
Bar = 100 nm or 0.1 microns. (click here for conversion table)
(From Kuiken T, Fouchier RA, Schutten M, et al. Newly discovered coronavirus as the primary cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Lancet 2003;362:263–270.) (click here for original article - thank you)
Coronaviridae (click here)are enveloped nonsegmented, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses named after their corona- or crown-like surface projections seen on electron microscopy that correspond to large surface spike proteins (Figures 222-1 and 222-2). Coronaviruses are host-specific and can infect humans as well as a variety of different animals, causing diverse clinical syndromes.1 Three serologically and genetically distinct groups of coronaviruses have been described. Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are part of groups 1 and 2 and primarily cause a variety of respiratory tract infections1 (Table 222-1).
I cannot find a measure of the Covid-19 virus. Perhaps, 3M already has been given that information.
Infectious Disease professionals (click here) are writing all kinds of precautions, but, no mentions of the size of Covid-19.
N95 Respirators
Image (click here)
The 2019 Wuhan COVID-19 Coronavirus has created unprecedented global demand for 3M respiratory products. We are currently fulfilling backorders, and will be receiving new stock in March and April.
or
Image (click here)
Since 3M makes both types of N95 masks, it would be more prudent to have direct manufacturer input to the appropriate use regarding 2019 Wuhan COVID-19 Coronavirus.
An N95 respirator (click here) is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles.
The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.
N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Because a proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, the N95 respirator may not provide full protection.
There are alternatives to these masks for hospital personal and that is a AIR PACK that supplies breathable air from a portable pack. Fire personnel wear them. It isolates the respiratory system from the surrounding air and supplies breathable air to the wearer from a canister supply.
Health care persons are showing up in larger numbers than acceptable in contracting this virus. They have to be protected to care for others.
There is also this:
pureAir Personal - Wearable Advanced Air Purifier System (click here)
I have not seen where any of these devices are tested against the Covid-19 virus. There are also filters for larger spaces:
Coway Airmega 400 (click here) is designed to accommodate room sizes up to 1,560 square feet and it cleans the air two times in one hour.
Coway Airmega Max2 filter – combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter – captures and reduces up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants and other allergens. It also reduces more than 99% of volatile organic compounds and reduces fumes such as NH3 and CH3CHO. It also includes washable and permanent pre-filter to catch larger dust particles.
Hospitals have used similar devices to convert regular rooms into isolation rooms. This particular device is somewhat simpler than I am familiar with, but, times change.
CDC/NIOSH recommendations (click here)
Coway Airmega Max2 filter – combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter – captures and reduces up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants and other allergens. It also reduces more than 99% of volatile organic compounds and reduces fumes such as NH3 and CH3CHO. It also includes washable and permanent pre-filter to catch larger dust particles.
Hospitals have used similar devices to convert regular rooms into isolation rooms. This particular device is somewhat simpler than I am familiar with, but, times change.
CDC/NIOSH recommendations (click here)
