Prama Ghosh, Amity University Kolkata
It is seen that wearing two face masks can double up the effectiveness of keeping the SARS-CoV-2-sized particles out of the wearer’s nose and mouth, thus, preventing COVID – 19 according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine on April 16, 2021. This increased effectiveness is due to the elimination of gaps or loose-fitting areas of a mask.
A study was carried out by the UNC researchers along with James Samet, PhD, and colleagues in the USEPA Human Studies Facility on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill to test the fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of a range of masks where a 10-foot by 10-foot stainless-steel exposure chamber was filled with small salt particle aerosols and the researchers checked for the effectiveness of a wide combination of masks at keeping particles out of their breathing space.FFE was determined by measuring particle concentration in the breathing space underneath the mask compared to that in the chamber.
Although the baseline fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of a mask differs from person to person, an ideal fitted mask is about 40-60% effective at keeping COVID-19-sized particles out. The study shows that placing a cloth mask over a surgical mask FFE improves by about 20%, which further improves with a snug-fitting, sleeve-type mask, such as a gaiter. Cloth masks eliminate gaps and hold the procedure surgical mask closer to the face, consistently covering the nose and mouth. When a surgical mask is worn over a cloth mask, FFE is improved by 16%.
The study also indicates that wearing two loosely fitted masks will not give the same filtration benefit that a one snug-fitting procedure mask gives. The data obtained from the study clearly shows how effective double-masking is at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
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