In a new study, scientists claim that cloth masks can forestall the spread of COVID-19 by clocking up to 99% of harmful particles. Daily Mail reports that Canadian researchers describe how cloth masks, particularly with several layers, can hinder viruses carried by microscopic particles in the air.
When a person coughs or sneezes, cloth layers of a face mask can reduce the amount of infectious particles traveling through the air, the researchers explain. Furthermore, the layers of cloth could also prevent the virus-carrying particles from settling on surfaces.
According to the authors of the study, various combinations of cloth such as cotton-flannel were found to block more than 90 percent of particles. Moreover, a three-layered mask can reduce pathogens' airborne transmission and surface contamination by up to 99 percent.
Although the researchers don't guarantee that cotton masks will indeed provide full protection from SARS-CoV-2, they claim that the results of their study clarify the efficiency of cotton masks when it comes to closing off potentially harmful particles.
Furthermore, they say that their review suggests that cloth can block particles, even aerosol-sized particles, supporting Canadian public health policy on the issue. The findings of their study were published in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
Cloth Can Block Droplets
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Public Health Institute both advocate the use of cloth masks in an open space.
The researchers have discovered that cloth can block more than five micrometers in diameter. This means a virus-loaded particle discharged by an infected mask wearer is kept within the mask, furthermore keeping the virus from staying suspended in the air or resting onto a surface.
The team examined evidence on masks obtained from almost a hundred years of research and found strong evidence demonstrating the reduction of contamination in the air and surfaces using cloth and cloth-based covers.
According to the authors, masks are not checked separately for every pathogen. Moreover, filtration efficiency relies on particles of different sizes, regardless of which pathogen the particle holds.
A study from 2010 suggests that because the filtration rate of cloth differs, cotton from everyday clothing items, like layers of a scarf, t-shirt, and sweatshirt, may only have a filtration efficiency between ten to 40 percent.
Difficulty in Breathing From Wearing Masks
However, experts say that there can be one risky disadvantage from wearing multiple layers of cloth over one's face; it makes it harder to breathe.
According to the first author of the study, Catherine Clase, more layers will allow the wearer to have more protection both inward and outward but will make it more difficult for them to breathe. She recommends that people with conditions that make it hard for them to breathe, and children under two are not recommended to wear masks.
Although previous studies reveal that cloth masks can block infectious particles, the researchers stress that homemade masks are not equivalent to a substitute for medically certified personal protective equipment.
In their paper, the team also mentions recognizing the potential for unintentional consequences, like the usage of formal personal protective equipment by the general public, improper use of cloth masks, or reduced hand hygiene due to a false sense of security. They claim that these can be avoided by controlling the distribution of personal protective equipment, public education, giving clear messages, and social pressure.
Furthermore, they say that advocating that the public make and use cloth masks also changes the cost of a public health intervention from society to the individual. They add that such practice is objectionable for people living in poverty and low-resource areas.
