Posted on 02/26/2020 6:55:41 AM PST by Lazamataz
This study examined homemade masks as an alternative to commercial face masks. Several household materials were evaluated for the capacity to block bacterial and viral aerosols. Twenty-one healthy volunteers made their own face masks from cotton t-shirts; the masks were then tested for fit. The number of microorganisms isolated from coughs of healthy volunteers wearing their homemade mask, a surgical mask, or no mask was compared using several air-sampling techniques. The median-fit factor of the homemade masks was one-half that of the surgical masks. Both masks significantly reduced the number of microorganisms expelled by volunteers, although the surgical mask was 3 times more effective in blocking transmission than the homemade mask. Our findings suggest that a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but it would be better than no protection. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1-6).
Will a ski mask work?
Some viruses would go through some masks the way water goes through a strainer.
a double-layered cotton t-shirt material mask will be much better than nothing. If that is what you have then use it and stay out of contact. That is exactly what we would do if necessary.
The minute you start to perspire...most of the cheaper-made masks are worthless.
Keep in mind that most, if not all, masks are made in China - possibly by some guy that isn't feeling too well.
Oh, and shave off your beard.
Homemade masks also remind us NOT to touch our faces and to offer an excuse (points at mask) to NOT shake hands...
For those really worried:
Put a plastic bag over your head and duct tape it tight around your neck.
I GUARANTEE you will NEVER get the Coronavirus.
Reminds me of what a WWI commander instructed his men to do to their handkerchiefs during a gas attack.
No. Not generally.
i have a mask for scraping lead paint
A high rise building IS a cruise ship to a virus...
yes very possible that masks could be the new smallpox blankets
The answer to all of life’s problems: Duct Tape! ;)
I’ve wondered about cone coffee filters.
Just put underwear over your head.
We were talking about this last night, a little. We decided we should load up on a few supplies, especially toilet paper and CAT FOOD!!! (for the cat)
I sew, so could possibly come up with something for masks, but need to study the issue more before moving forward. I was wondering about using egg carton material, soda bottle material, or something from other common products, along with fabric. It seems like any type of face covering would be somewhat effective, as compared to none.
That said, the most important precaution, IMO, would be to avoid any public gatherings.
That is a good idea, I think.
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