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To: CivilWarBrewing

A properly fitted N95 mask would work, because it is designed for particles smaller than Ebola viruses. Distance from an infected person is even more important.

N95’s are pretty common, and block 95% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. That is 300 nanometers, and the Ebola virus is about 80nm in diameter and 800-1000nm in length. So if the N95 is properly fitted, it should block all of the virus.

notes: ear-loop surgical masks are not designed to protect the wearer, but to protect someone else from being infected by the wearer. So an N95 has a bowl shape to cover the nose and mouth.

In addition to protecting the nose and mouth, lab glasses keep the virus out of the eyes. From there, the biggest concern is physical contamination, of mostly the hands.


40 posted on 09/17/2014 1:08:54 PM PDT by yefragetuwrabrumuy ("Don't compare me to the almighty, compare me to the alternative." -Obama, 09-24-11)
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To: yefragetuwrabrumuy

CDC recommends N100 now.

The N95 recommendation is outdated.


46 posted on 09/17/2014 1:23:11 PM PDT by Black Agnes
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To: yefragetuwrabrumuy
From there, the biggest concern is physical contamination, of mostly the hands.

Yes, and pretty much inevitable if in close proximity to a patient and/or infected materials. If you were to go into a room with a symptomatic patient -- and touch anything that has been in contact with the patient, or the patient coughs -- it would be essentially pointless to wear a mask. You're going to be infected, unless you're also wearing a full containment suit, and maybe even then unless it is decontaminated and removed properly.

55 posted on 09/17/2014 2:08:58 PM PDT by steve86 ( Acerbic by nature, not nurture)
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