Throughout these unpredictable times in the pandemic, there have been copious amounts of sources that have released new and opposing information on face wear. Towards the beginning of the pandemic, many people were under the impression that wearing masks could somehow increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. As time progressed, others have adopted the belief that masks will significantly reduce the probability of them contracting the virus. Although people have different beliefs as to whether or not masks serve a purpose, 35/50 states in the U.S. have mandated that people wear masks in public, according to AARP. Considering the fact that masks have become widely prevalent in today’s society, the majority of the population now own some type of face covering. Over the past few months, research has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of different types of face coverings.
N95
The name of the N95 mask originates from their intended purpose of blocking approximately 95% of small particles. The edges of these masks can be manipulated to accommodate the size of someone’s face. The CDC advises against wearing masks with exhalation valves (air vents) because droplets can escape through there and infect others. Non-valved N95 masks have proven to be one of the most effective masks available, but these masks should not be purchased by the average person because there is a high demand for these from healthcare workers and first responders.
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are easily found/accessible for most consumers. According to Hackensack Meridian Health, it was found that surgical masks are 3 times as effective as a homemade mask. Although these masks are proven to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 (if they are worn correctly and social
distancing is being practiced), these masks serve as an environmental issue. Most people dispose of these masks after a single use, harming the environment in several ways. Whether these masks serve as a threat to marine animals/birds or they continue to accumulate in landfills, they are not the most environmentally conscious choice available.
Homemade Masks
Homemade masks/store bought masks are another practical way to slow the spread of COVID-19 through mask wearing.
Hopkins Medicine recommends that these types of masks are made with thick, cotton fabric, and they are not made from stretchy material (because stretchy material has bigger holes than cotton does). The preferred method is to use at least 2 layers of fabric and sew them together to create the mask.
Bandana or Neck Gaiter
Neck gaiters and bandanas have lately been criticised by the media for potentially spreading the virus even more or just not being effective. As an effort to determine whether or not these rumors and accusations were valid, many medical groups started to dive into the logistics of it. Research conducted by Advance Science discovered that neck gaiters emitted the most amount of large droplets. These larger droplets then disperse into smaller droplets (and smaller droplets are more airborne).
Bandanas are potentially problematic because the bottom is open, and particles can spread through there. To exemplify the issues that come from wearing these types of face coverings, John Hopkins Medicine requires everyone inside of their facilities to wear masks, and they do not allow people to wear bandanas or neck gaiters. Even though neck gaiters or bandanas do not work as well as other alternatives, wearing either of those provides more protection than having no face covering at all.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, COVID-19 is a new and fickle virus, and new research and information are being found on a daily basis. Thus far, many scientists and medical experts have concluded that any mask is better than no mask. Hackensack Meridian Health mentions a study that has recently been conducted, and that study found that if people are talking and not wearing masks, their droplets can travel up to 26 feet through the air. A common belief between the numerous sources is that N95 masks should be reserved for medical personnel, and everyday people should wear cloth masks with thick fabric. These studies also point out that masks are most effective while maintaining social distancing from one another and maintaining healthy practices between one another. Stay safe!
Sources
https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2020/08/26/which-masks-are-most-effective -and-why/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face masks-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/states-mask-mandates coronavirus.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
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