Facial masks and masks that have exhaled valves seem less effective at preventing you from spreading the coronavirus than normal facial masks and covers, according to a new study.
What’s going on:
A new study published in the journal Physics Flids found that masks with facial ield and exhaled valves can emit more particles than other facial masks.
This means that people around you may be at risk of getting the novel coronavirus, especially if you are asymptomatic.
- “From this recent study, we can observe that the facial ield is able to block the initial motion of the exhaled jet, however, the aerosolidized droplets expelled by the jet are able to move around the visor with relative ease,” the researchers said. In a statement. “Over time, these droplets can spread over a wide area in both lateral and longitudinal directions, although the droplets decrease in proportion.”
Visual demonstrations released with the study showed large clouds of particles emanating from under the face and through a ventilated mask.
- The researchers wrote: “We have observed that the facial ield is able to block the initial motion of the exhaled jet; However, the aerated particles fired from the jet are able to move around the visor with relative ease. It is likely that, instead of regular masks, the widespread adoption of alternative options could have the opposite effect on ongoing mitigation efforts against COVID-19. “
The best kind of mask
In August Gust, a Duke University study revealed the most effective ways to block COVID-19, as I wrote for Deseret.com. This study looked at which masks prevent the dot from killing you and others.
- The best masks include Surgical N95, three-layer surgical and cotton.
- Fleece, bandana and knitted masks were listed as less effective.
