By Rocky Swift
TOKYO, March 5 (Reuters) – Japanese supercomputer computer simulations have shown that wearing two masks has a limited benefit in blocking viral spread compared to properly fitted masks.
Findings as part of the U.S. Contrary to recent recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two masks were better than one to reduce a person’s exposure to coronavirus.
Researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to sample the flow of virus particles in people wearing different types and combinations of masks, according to a study released Thursday by researchers Ricken and Kobe University.
Using a single surgical-type mask, made of a non-woven material, had an 85% effectiveness in blocking particles when worn tightly around the nose and face. Adding a polyurethane mask on top only reduced the effectiveness by 89%.
Wearing two non-woven masks is not useful as air resistance increases and leakage occurs around the edges.
“Double masking does not increase performance,” the researchers, led by Makoto Tsubukura, wrote.
In general, professional grade N95 masks were the best at protecting against infection, followed by research showing that there were non-woven masks, cloth masks and finally polyurethane types.
The Ricken research team previously used a Fugaku supercomputer to test how moisture can affect viral infections and how to affect the risks of infection in trains, workplaces and other environments.
As the epidemic of Kovid-1 ep has spread, there is a growing scientific consensus that the virus spreads through the air and that masks are effective in controlling infectious diseases. (Reporting by Rocky Swift; Editing by Lincoln Fist.)
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