While some masks may be as protective as standard surgical masks against COVID-19, new research suggests that one type of thing may make things worse.
Neck flares, in particular, can be even worse than not wearing a mask at all, according to Duke University researchers.
“We have noticed that talking through some masks (especially the neck fleece) seems to disperse the largest droplets into a lot of smaller droplets, which explains the apparent increase in droplet count relative to no mask in that case,” the researchers wrote. in a recently published study in Science Advances.
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Since smaller particles are carried in the air for a longer period of time than larger droplets, which drop faster, “the use of such a mask can be counterproductive,” researchers said.
Similarly, the study showed that bandanas “do not block the droplets much.”
The researchers at Duke conducted a visual study to prove that face masks are effective in reducing droplet transmissions. After testing 14 commonly available masks as alternatives to masks, researchers found that not all masks were effective tools against the spread of the virus.
“We have confirmed that when people talk, small droplets are expelled so that disease can be spread by talking, without coughing or sneezing,” said one of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Martin Fischer, “we also saw that some face coatings performed much better than others in blocking expelled particles.”
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Researchers noted that the best face-covering N95 masks without valves – which are used by frontline health care workers – although surgical as well as polypropylene masks also performed well.
Hand-made cotton face masks provide “good coverage” as well and eliminate a “substantial amount” of the spray from when someone is talking.
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“Wearing a mask is a simple and easy way to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said co-author and Duke Dr. Eric Westman. “About half of infections come from people who have no symptoms, and often do not know they are infected. They can spread the virus unconsciously like coughing, sneezing and just talking. “
In addition, Westman said people can eliminate a maximum of 99% of the drops before they reach anyone else.
“In the absence of a vaccine or antiviral drug, it is the only proven way to protect others than yourself,” he added.
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In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield points out that although “we are not defensive against COVID-19, the use of canvas cover” is one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow down and stop the spread of the virus – especially when used universally in a common setting. “