4 Face Mask Myths
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recently stated that “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus,” (https://ibn.fm/1yiUN). However, there are people that believe alternative sources, or unsubstantiated myths, such as those listed below.
- Wearing a mask causes carbon dioxide build-up, especially when worn for a long period of time
Some people claim they won’t be able to breathe if they have a mask on. However, there is no scientific truth behind this claim. Take for instance, health care workers, who wear masks for many hours over long periods of time during surgeries without any issues.
- Masks only protect other people, not the one wearing it
A mask protects both the individual wearing it as well as those around them. A recent study revealed that if a person has no mask on, their droplets can travel up to 8 feet. With a mask on, the droplets travel less than a foot.
Additionally, a mask keeps your nose and mouth covered. These are the two main ways that infected droplets enter an individual’s body.
- Masks with exhalation valves offer the same protection as regular masks and are also more comfortable
Masks that have exhalation valves actually put those around you at risk. This is because the valves expel droplets/germs into the air around you, making them unsafe as they offer minimal protection. They do not limit the spread of coronavirus.
- There is no need to observe social distancing guidelines while wearing a mask
These go hand in hand. Properly wearing a mask while practicing social distancing is the most effective way of limiting the spread of COVID-19. If you are in public and you need to remove your mask to eat or drink, you are advised to ensure you are 6 feet apart from other individuals.
Precision medicine companies like Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ: POAI) encourage individuals to follow CDC guidelines so that they don’t fall victim to these myths.
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: http://BMW.fm/Disclaimer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recently stated that “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus,” (https://ibn.fm/1yiUN). However, there are people that believe alternative sources, or unsubstantiated myths, such as those listed below.
- Wearing a mask causes carbon dioxide build-up, especially when worn for a long period of time
Some people claim they won’t be able to breathe if they have a mask on. However, there is no scientific truth behind this claim. Take for instance, health care workers, who wear masks for many hours over long periods of time during surgeries without any issues.
- Masks only protect other people, not the one wearing it
A mask protects both the individual wearing it as well as those around them. A recent study revealed that if a person has no mask on, their droplets can travel up to 8 feet. With a mask on, the droplets travel less than a foot.
Additionally, a mask keeps your nose and mouth covered. These are the two main ways that infected droplets enter an individual’s body.
- Masks with exhalation valves offer the same protection as regular masks and are also more comfortable
Masks that have exhalation valves actually put those around you at risk. This is because the valves expel droplets/germs into the air around you, making them unsafe as they offer minimal protection. They do not limit the spread of coronavirus.
- There is no need to observe social distancing guidelines while wearing a mask
These go hand in hand. Properly wearing a mask while practicing social distancing is the most effective way of limiting the spread of COVID-19. If you are in public and you need to remove your mask to eat or drink, you are advised to ensure you are 6 feet apart from other individuals.
Precision medicine companies like Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ: POAI) encourage individuals to follow CDC guidelines so that they don’t fall victim to these myths.
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: http://BMW.fm/Disclaimer
