Research Results, Cloth Masks Effectively Prevent Covid-19

Cloth mask (Doc. ATS)

The researchers revealed that most of the cloths commonly used for non-clinical face masks are effective in filtering out ultrafine particles that may contain Covid-19.

SuaraJawaTengah.id – Recent research conducted by Cambridge University and Northwestern University suggests that cloth mask proven effective in preventing the spread of the corona virus, as reported by the Independent.

The researchers found that most of the cloths commonly used for non-clinical face masks are effective at filtering out ultrafine particles that may contain viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

For the study, the researchers tested all samples from t-shirts and socks to jeans and vacuum bags to find which type of mask material was most effective at filtering out particles at high speed, reflecting how they worked if a person coughed or breathed heavily while using them. face mask.

They also examined the effectiveness of N95 and surgical masks, which are more commonly worn by health care professionals.

The N95 mask proved to be very effective, but the reusable HEPA vacuum bag actually outperformed the N95 in several tests.

When looking at homemade cloth masks, researchers found that in general, masks made from several layers of cloth were most effective. In addition, incorporating interfacing, or the techniques used to strengthen the collar, was found to be more effective even though it was more difficult to breathe.

The researchers also tested how effective a cloth mask was when it was damp and after washing. They found that cloth masks worked well when damp and also worked quite well after one wash cycle.

Lead author of the study, Eugenia O’Kelly said cloth masks have become a new necessity for many people since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when supplies of N95 masks and other medical masks were in short supply so that many began to make their own masks.

“As an engineer, I wanted to learn more about them, how well different materials work under different conditions, and what makes the most effective fit,” said O’Kelly.

O’Kelly said the denim was quite effective at blocking viral particles but it was difficult to breathe.

“So, it might not be a good idea to make a mask out of la ma jeans. N95 masks are much easier to inhale than any combination of fabrics with a similar filtration rate,” O’Kelly said.

O’Kelly also said cloth masks are increasingly being used by the public, but finding the right material such as the balance between effective and comfortable for breathing is still a problem.

“We wanted the material to be effective at filtering out particles, but we also needed to know that it didn’t put the user at risk of inhaling the fiber, which could be harmful,” O’Kelly said.

“We have shown that in emergency situations where N95 masks are not available, such as in the early days of this pandemic, cloth masks are surprisingly effective at filtering out particles that may contain viruses, even at high speeds,” O’Kelly continued.

AMONG

–