Switch to हिंदी

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Diet | Pregnancy & Parenting | Diseases & Home Remedies | TheHealthSite.com

हिंदी
  • Health A-Z
  • Home Remedies
  • Diseases
    • Type 1 Diabetes
    • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Cancer
    • Heart Attack
    • Pneumonia
    • Diseases A-Z
  • Diet & Fitness
    • Weight Management
    • Exercise & Body Building
    • Diet & Recipes
    • Yoga
  • Coronavirus
  • News
  • Pregnancy
    • Conceiving
    • Infertility
    • Labour & Delivery
    • Pregnancy week-by-week
    • Breastfeeding
    • Baby Names
  • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Grooming
  • Photos
  • Videos
Home / Health News / Can your face mask really prevent spread of COVID-19 droplets? Use this test to find out

Can your face mask really prevent spread of COVID-19 droplets? Use this test to find out

Researchers from Duke University in the US have developed a new method to test the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that could contain novel coronavirus particles.

By: Longjam Dineshwori   | | Updated: August 11, 2020 10:10 am
Tags: Coronavirus  COVID-19  covid-19 transmission  Face mask  
facemask
Wearing a face mask could stop up to 99 per cent of viral droplets before they reach someone else.

In the absence of a vaccine or antiviral medicine, wearing a face mask, frequent hand-washing, and social distancing, are considered to be the best preventive measures to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The new virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets released by infected an infected person while talking, sneezing, or coughing. Wearing a face mask is a simple and easy way to reduce the expulsion of respiratory droplets and protect others as well as yourself from COVID-19 – the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. But how effective is your face mask in reducing the expulsion/prevention of viral droplets? Which types of face coverings are best in blocking expelled particles? Keep reading to clear your doubts. Also Read - Highest Covid Infection Rate Approaching, Warns WHO Chief

Researchers from Duke University in the US have developed a new method to test the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that could contain novel coronavirus particles. The developers believe that the new technique could help small scale mask producers to optimise designs, and help community outreach organisations demonstrate proper mask fitting procedures. The technique was described in the journal, Science Advances. Also Read - The Evolution Of The COVID-19 Virus: Spike Protein Mutations And How It Fuels The Pandemic



How does the new method work?

Using their new method, the scientists evaluated the effectiveness of 14 different types of masks and other frequently substituted face coverings, such as bandanas and neck fleeces. The test required the speakers to wear each mask while standing in a dark enclosure. Then the speakers were asked to say the phrase “stay healthy, people” five times in the direction of a laser beam, which scattered light from the droplets released during the speech. Using as a cell phone camera, the droplets are recorded and a simple computer algorithm counted them. Also Read - 2,320 People Likely To Die Per Day Of COVID-19 In India By June: Lancet Report

This ‘simple and inexpensive’ setup can be replicated by non-experts too, said the researchers. The hardware used here, including laser equipment, is easily available and can be purchased for less than USD 200.

Bandanas, neck fleeces not a good choice 

Based on their preliminary, proof-of-principle findings, the researchers suggested that N95 masks without valves are best at blocking the droplets produced when wearers speak.

Surgical or polypropylene masks and handmade cotton masks are also effective in blocking droplet spread. But they observed more droplets expelled through bandanas and neck fleeces, suggesting that these materials may provide little protection against the novel coronavirus. This is because the materials use to bandanas and neck fleeces break up larger droplets as they pass through them, they explained.

However, the new method is still in the early stages of development and has so far only been tested in a small group of people. The researchers stressed the need for further testing to investigate variations in masks, speakers, and how people wear them.

They also want to extend their method to other droplet-generating actions, like coughing and sneezing, as well as explore the effects of incorrect placement and moisture saturation.  

Why you should wear a mask?

According to the Duke University researchers, about half of COVID-19 Infections are from asymptomatic patients, people who don’t show symptoms. As these people often don’t know they’re infected, they can unknowingly spread the virus when they cough, sneeze and just talk. Wearing a face mask could stop up to 99 per cent of these droplets before they reach someone else.

But they noted that businesses who are engaged in supplying masks to the public and employees should have proper information about the products they’re providing to assure the best protection possible.

Published : August 10, 2020 10:53 am | Updated:August 11, 2020 10:10 am
Read Disclaimer

High rate of asymptomatic infections is a good thing: Here’s why

High rate of asymptomatic infections is a good thing: Here’s why

COVID-19 may have longer incubation period than previously thought

COVID-19 may have longer incubation period than previously thought

Please Wait. Article Loading ....

Coronavirus Updates

Coronavirus Updates

Stay Informed, Be Safe

  • Highest Covid Infection Rate Approaching, Warns WHO Chief
  • The Evolution Of The COVID-19 Virus: Spike Protein Mutations And How It Fuels The Pandemic
  • 2,320 People Likely To Die Per Day Of COVID-19 In India By June: Lancet Report
  • Do Not Forget To Wear Your Mask! Coronavirus Is Predominantly Spreading Via Air
  • Young COVID-19 survivors beware: Get vaccinated because you are not safe from reinfection

Health Calculators

BMI Calculator
bmi Calculator
Ideal Body Weight
ideal body weight
Daily Calorie Intake
Daily calorie intake
Calories Burned
calories burned

Related Stories

Wear 2 Masks For Double Protection Against COVID Virus: Scientists

Wear 2 Masks For Double Protection Against COVID Virus: Scientists

Highest Covid Infection Rate Approaching, Warns WHO Chief

Highest Covid Infection Rate Approaching, Warns WHO Chief

The Evolution Of The COVID-19 Virus: Spike Protein Mutations And How It Fuels The Pandemic

The Evolution Of The COVID-19 Virus: Spike Protein Mutations And How It Fuels The Pandemic

2,320 People Likely To Die Per Day Of COVID-19 In India By June: Lancet Report

2,320 People Likely To Die Per Day Of COVID-19 In India By June: Lancet Report

Do Not Forget To Wear Your Mask! Coronavirus Is Predominantly Spreading Via Air

Do Not Forget To Wear Your Mask! Coronavirus Is Predominantly Spreading Via Air

Health News in Hindi

Covid-19 Death in India: भारत के इन 10 राज्यों में कोरोना से हुई 86 प्रतिशत मौतें, महाराष्ट्र और दिल्ली टॉप पर

Sonu Sood Corona Poistive: एक्टर सोनू सूद हुए कोरोना वायरस से संक्रमित, चंडीगढ़ के घर में हुए आइसोलेट

Coronavirus in India : देश में कोरोना संक्रमण हुआ बेकाबू, लगातार तीसरे दिन सामने आए 2 लाख से अधिक केस

सीएम योगी ने कहा लखनऊ में जल्द बनने जा रहा है 1000 बेडों का कोविड अस्‍पताल, लिए ये 4 बड़े फैसले

हवा से ही फैल रहा है कोरोना वायरस, वैज्ञानिकों का दावा, क्वारंटाइन सेंटर्स के कमरों से भी हुआ प्रसार

Read All

Recent Posts

  • Cocoa powder may benefit people with obesity, reduce risk of fatty liver disease
  • Oz woman dies due to blood clotting after receiving AstraZeneca vaccine
  • Wear 2 Masks For Double Protection Against COVID Virus: Scientists
  • AHA vs BHA: Know Which Exfoliating Acid is Best For Your Skin Type
  • Highest Covid Infection Rate Approaching, Warns WHO Chief

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com
+91 – 22 – 6697 1234
Landline Phone number 91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

Useful Links

  • Weight Loss
  • Keto Diet Tips
  • Skin Care Tips
  • Intermittent Fasting
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Ashwagandha
  • Cancer
  • Pneumonia
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dengue
  • Typhoid
  • Tuberculosis
  • Chickenpox
  • Chikungunya
  • Depression
  • Hepatitis
  • Diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Swine Flu
  • Baby Names
  • Cough and cold
  • Heart Attack
  • Breast Cancer
  • Ebola Virus
  • Dengue
  • Malaria
  • International Yoga Day
  • Hypotension
  • Heart Failure
  • Asthma
  • Brain Tumour
  • Celebrity Fitness
  • Goitre
  • HIV/AIDS

We respect your privacy

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Author Profiles

Copyright © 2021 Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved.