Study Identifies Most Effective Masks For Coronavirus Prevention

Health experts across the world have stressed the importance of using face masks to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among people. People have been using different types of masks available to them, however, not much research has been done concerning which type of mask is most effective against coronavirus infection.

A new study has assessed the effectiveness of 14 different types of masks that are commonly available and are being used by people worldwide. The team found that specific masks offered more protections against coronavirus infections and are more effective in preventing transmission as compared to others.

The research team found that medical masks are the most effective in stopping coronavirus transmission and prevent droplet infection, as compared to the cotton masks alternatives. On the other hand, other types of masks being used such as bandanas and balaclavas do not provide an effective protective at all.

The use of masks is all the more important now since nearly 30 to 40 percent of the coronavirus carriers may not show any symptoms. However, they can still pass on the infection to others.

The findings of the researchers are likely to impact public policies, especially in the U.S. wherein people have been urged to use textile masks and save the medical masks for use by the frontline healthcare workers.

The research, conducted by a team from Duke University, involved a group of people who stood in a dark room and said “Stay healthy, people” five times into the direction of an expanded laser beam. This was recorded with the camera of a mobile phone.

A computer algorithm was then used to calculate the number of droplets.

“This sort of test could easily be conducted by businesses and others that are providing masks to their employees or patrons,” said co-author Martin Fischer.

The team found that medical N95 masks reduced droplet transmission to less than 0.1 percent. Surgical masks reduced the droplet infection by almost 90 percent and cotton masks helped reduced transmission between 70 to 90 percent.

While bandanas reduced droplet infection only by 50 percent, neck fleeces were found to increase the amount of spray by breaking down larger droplets into smaller droplets.