Face masks minimise the distance airborne infections may travel—specifically while speaking or coughing—by more than half, according to a recent study from the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Knowing how to lower this type of transmission distance while you wear a Face mask might assist keep individuals safe and aid in controlling pandemic reactions, perhaps allowing for looser social distancing standards when masks are used.
At a news release, study co-author Kareem Ahmed, associate professor in UCF's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said, "The research gives strong evidence and guidance that 3 feet of spacing with face covers is better than 6 feet of distancing without face coverings."
The researchers employed diagnostic equipment to measure the distance droplets and aerosols move in all directions when people talk and cough while wearing various types of masks and when they do not. There were 14 persons in all that took part in the study, 11 men and 3 women between the ages of 21 and 31.
When people chat and cough while wearing various types of masks and when they don't, the researchers used diagnostic equipment to measure the distance droplets and aerosols go in all directions. In all, 14 people were involved in the study, 11 males and 3 women between the ages of 21 and 31.
During the trial, participants were instructed to recite a statement and fake a cough for 5 minutes without concealing their faces. Participants would next perform the activity using a cloth face covering and a three-layered disposable surgical mask. According to the study's authors, the researchers employed planar particle imaging to estimate particle velocity, a phase doppler interferometer to quantify droplet size, velocity, and volume flow at sites inside a spray plume, and an aerodynamic particle sizer to evaluate airborne particle behavior.
Based on the findings, the research discovered that wearing a cotton face mask decreased emissions in all directions to roughly 2 feet, compared to 4 feet while coughing or speaking without a mask. Additionally, while wearing a surgical mask, which decreased coughing and speaking emissions to around half a foot, the reduction was considerably larger.
The researchers also said that they want to expand the study cohort size in the future to continue to evaluate effective strategies of controlling airborne illness transmission.
Sources :
- A new study finds that face masks cut the distance airborne pathogens can travel in half. EurekAlert! January 12, 2022. Accessed January 12, 2022. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/939703
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