Homemade facemasks: particle filtration, breathability, fit, and other performance characteristics.

Homemade cloth masks and other improvised face coverings have become widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic driven by severe shortages of personal protective equipment. In this study, various alternative (mostly common household) materials, which have not traditionally been used in respiratory protective devices, were tested for particle filtration performance and breathability. Most of these materials were found of some-but rather limited-utility in facemasks.

A pilot respiratory health assessment of nail technicians: symptoms, lung function, and airway inflammation.

Background: Recent surveys suggest nail technicians, particularly artificial nail applicators, have increased respiratory symptoms and asthma risk.

Methods: We examined lung function (n = 62) and a marker of airway inflammation, i.e.

Evidence of reproductive endocrine effects in women with occupational fuel and solvent exposures.

Hydrocarbons (HCs) found in fuels and solvents are ubiquitous in the environment, yet we know little about their effects on the endocrine system. The objective of this study was to assess the potential reproductive endocrine effects of low-dose HCs encountered by female U.S.

Urinary reproductive hormone level differences between African American and Caucasian women of reproductive age.

Objective: To compare urinary levels of reproductive hormones in African American and Caucasian women.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Ten United States Air Force (USAF) bases.