Scientists at the American Institute of Physics have discovered the true effectiveness of masks, which proved to be insufficient measure to prevent the transmission of coronavirus infection. To keep the risk of infection to a minimum, a social distance of about two meters must be maintained. This is reported in an article published in the journal Physics of Fluids.
The researchers analyzed how the different materials from which the masks are made affect the spread of droplets that carry the virus when sneezing or coughing. Each sample significantly reduces the number of droplets, but some materials still allowed the droplets to spread over a distance of just over one and a half meters, which could potentially infect a nearby person.
Scientists have built a machine with a compressed air generator to simulate human coughs and sneezes. The generator was used to blow out tiny particles of liquid, simulating coughing and sneezing. A sheet mask, double layer sheet mask, wet double layer sheet mask, surgical mask and N95 respirator were used for blocking.
The respirator captured 100 percent of the droplets, while the conventional mask allowed about 3.6 percent of the droplets to pass through. However, with a single sneeze, approximately 200 million viral particles can enter the air, so even a small fraction of droplets is a threat to a person standing in close proximity.
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