“Some face masks worked much better than others to block the emitted particles,” said Martin Fischer.
A group of scientists from Duke University in the United States conducted an experiment to determine which face masks are the most effective in reducing the spread of droplets that transmit the coronavirus, the institution reported last Friday.
The researchers used laser light to highlight droplets of saliva that come out of a person’s mouth when pronouncing the expression “stay healthy” in English and compared 14 types of masks and their homemade alternatives.
“We confirmed that when people speak, tiny droplets are emitted, so the disease can spread during a conversation, without coughing or sneezing,” explained Martin Fischer, co-author of the study published in the journal. Science Advances.
“We could also see that some face masks worked much better than others in blocking the emitted particles,” he added.
According to specialists, medical masks of the N95 type without valves, used by health personnel who are on the front line of the fight against coronavirus, are the most effective in filtering viral particles.
Surgical or polypropylene masks also work well.
Research revealed that homemade cotton masks provide good protection, reducing a considerable amount of saliva droplets. Meanwhile, scarves and knitted collars, like ski masks, did not block droplets much.
“Wearing a mask is a simple and easy way to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Eric Westman, who participated in the study.
“About half of the infections are from people who show no symptoms and often don’t know they are infected. They can spread the virus without knowing it when they cough, sneeze or just talk ”, explained the expert.
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