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N95 does not filter out this virus (at least most of the time in theory, and independent of an aerosolized medium). The openings are too large. N95 filters are only designed to be 95% efficient at preventing passage of a 0.3 micron particle.
Coronavirus measures about 0.125 micron.
Thanks for posting this. I would assume that the size of the virus would not be a factor if it is truly a droplet contagion but if it is airborne then that would be like the old "trying to stop dust with chickenwire" analogy.
The kind of surgical masks you typically see are pretty much completely ineffective, if you want something that actually protects you and others you need to get the N95 like this:
They won't filter out sub-micron particles like viruses.
What they do protect against are the bioaerosols viruses can ride in (the tens of thousands of floating mucous droplets you release into the air whenever you sneeze or cough). A typical surgical mask will reduce your exposure to these about 10-fold.
It is impossible to purchase an N95 online. eBay delists them as soon as they're put up, as does Amazon. Because now ALL N95's are needed by frontline healthcare workers. I bought a few N95's from eBay in February before the crackdown. Even then, they sold out as fast as they were listed and the prices were 10x the normal cost at a Home Depot in ordinary times.
I found an N95 in my garage that I had got a while back for woodworking but yeah its impossible to order them now if you don't already have one. The manufacturers are just sending them straight to health care workers (as they should).
The kind of surgical masks you typically see are pretty much completely ineffective, if you want something that actually protects you and others you need to get the N95 like this:
I'm not in medicine, so have no need to wear a mask. It only exasperates the situation and creates a visual panic seeing people walking around with masks without need. It's an Asian fashion statement we dont want here.
Amiright?
I'm not in medicine, so have no need to wear a mask. It only exasperates the situation and creates a visual panic seeing people walking around with masks without need. It's an Asian fashion statement we dont want here.
Amiright?
Agreed. This virus does not exist for a long time in airborne form. So there is little danger in going outside without a mask as long as you are keeping distance from people.
At the very least, a surgical mask protects those around you. It prevents you from spitting into the air when you talk, passing droplets, etc. They are basically useless against a virus and can become a petri dish of bacteria in a short amount of time, but it is more of a courtesy to those around you. This is why surgeons wear them in the first place, to prevent them from passing germs into patients during surgery.
At the very least, a surgical mask protects those around you. It prevents you from spitting into the air when you talk, passing droplets, etc. They are basically useless against a virus and can become a petri dish of bacteria in a short amount of time, but it is more of a courtesy to those around you. This is why surgeons wear them in the first place, to prevent them from passing germs into patients during surgery.
Still either way keeping distance from people is by far the most import method to avoid passing it on.
Also people are choosing not to buy N95 masks because right now there is not enough of those even for health care workers who need them the most because they are most at risk.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chicano3000X
Leave those for doctors and nurses...
Yes.
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