In the fight against COVID-19, some health officials are now advising the public to wear homemade masks. So, which materials work best? » Subscribe to Seeker!
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As you might already know, the CDC says as coronavirus continues to sweep around the globe, we should all wear homemade cloth masks. While it is important that we still leave the medical grade masks for those who need them most, this recommendation to wear cloth face coverings is an extra precaution that will still reduce the likelihood of making someone else sick while we’re out and about (it is less to protect yourself from getting sick and more for the protection of those around you).
But what materials work best when it comes to a DIY mask? Well, groups of scientists have been testing which materials work best for homemade masks, and luckily for us, they have some preliminary results.
The literature on how well different homemade masks block aerosols, both from coming in and from getting out, is still pretty sparse, so teams of scientists all over the country are now informally trying to determine how good certain materials are at blocking droplets and particles, and are sharing their research publicly.
Find out more about what makes a DIY mask most effective and what you can do to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in this Elements.
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Read More:
A User’s Guide to Face Masks
"The bottom line is that when you practice social distancing, wash your hands and wear a mask during those times when you must leave the house, you are lowering your risk for getting sick."
How to make a non-medical coronavirus face mask – no sewing required
"Jeremy Howard, a University of San Francisco researcher and the co-founder of Masks 4 All, explains how to create your own, with no sewing required."
Coronavirus FAQs: Is A Homemade Mask Effective? And What's The Best Way To Wear One?
"Johns Hopkins Medicine has one design you might try. Kaiser Permanente has another design, as well as a video showing how to make a mask using a sewing machine. Both recommend 100% woven cotton fabric."
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