Why a valve mask is not suitable for protection against coronavirus
News / / January 03, 2021
Sometimes protective cloth masks are equipped with a special valve. In this case, the mask works like this - you inhale air through filters and exhale it through a one-way valve. Thus, warm air leaves the mask faster, it becomes easier to breathe, the mask is easier to wear, and the glasses will not fog up.
However, not everyone understands that in the situation with coronavirus, the same valve makes wearing a mask completely meaningless.
We wear masks for two reasons. First, we hope that they will protect us from COVID-19 (however, on the topic of the effectiveness of masks so far there are disputes). Secondly, and more importantly, the mask does not allow infecting others if we are sick and do not know about it.
The valve allows air to pass freely on exhalation. This means that an infected person will spread virus particles around him in the same way as if he did not wear any protection at all.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends againstPersonal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers use masks and respirators with valves to contain the disease.
Such protection can be worn in smog, dust and smoke conditions - for example, at a construction site or factory, where harmful particles are in the air. But a mask with a valve will not stop the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus. Number of infected:
5 213 090
in the world326 448
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