Scientists test if these 14 types of masks are effective
A new study has shown that bandannas, gaiters, and knitted masks are some of the least effective face coverings for preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Researchers at Duke University made the discovery while testing 14 different types of masks, that not all masks that are made to protect.
In this study, it showed that N95 masks, often used by health care professionals, worked best to stop the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech.
Other good performers at stopping leakage were three-layer surgical masks and cotton masks, which can be made at home, which makes life a bit easier because they are also cost-effective.
Read: Management of public spaces urged to enforce mask mandate
The scientists also discovered that neck fleeces, or neck gaiters, often worn by runners, were the least effective and actually allowed more respiratory droplets to escape than not wearing a mask at all.
Martin Fischer, one of the study’s authors, told CNN:
We were extremely surprised to find that the number of particles measured with the fleece actually exceeded the number of particles measured without wearing any mask,
The also said they would like to emphasise that they encourage people to wear masks, but they want them to wear masks that work.
So be sure to wear masks that work and are protecting you because you would rather be safe than sorry.