In the wake of the global health crisis, disposable masks have skyrocketed. These seemingly inconspicuous items have become our first defence against airborne diseases, from hospital corridors to public transportation. But just how effective are disposable face masks against airborne pathogens? The answer is nuanced, and this article aims to explore this subject in-depth.
What Are Airborne Diseases?
Airborne diseases are illnesses caused by microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi dispersed in the air, primarily through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes, they expel respiratory droplets that can contain infectious pathogens. Other people can become infected by inhaling these droplets.
Examples of airborne diseases include the common cold, influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. The widespread occurrence of these diseases, particularly in densely populated areas, underscores the need for effective preventive measures.
Understanding Disposable Masks
Disposable masks, also known as surgical masks, are loose-fitting, single-use masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin. They are made from several layers of synthetic material that filter out large droplets and protect the wearer’s mouth and nose from contact with droplets, splashes, and sprays.
Types of Disposable Masks
There are three primary types of disposable masks: surgical, isolation, and procedure. While all three types protect the wearer from large droplets and splashes, their levels of bacterial filtration efficiency and sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency vary.
How Disposable Masks Work
Disposable masks block large particles and respiratory droplets from entering or exiting your mouth and nose. The outer layer is fluid-resistant, the middle layer is a filter, and the inner layer absorbs moisture from the wearer’s breath.
How Effective Are Disposable Masks?
To understand the effectiveness of disposable masks against airborne diseases, we must consider several factors, including mask design, fit, and the characteristics of the airborne pathogens.
Mask Design and Fit
The effectiveness of disposable masks significantly depends on their design and fit. A well-designed mask will have a high filtration efficiency, meaning it can filter out a substantial proportion of airborne particles. However, if the mask does not fit properly, air—and airborne pathogens—can leak around the sides of the mask when the wearer breathes in, rendering the maskless effective.
Characteristics of Airborne Pathogens
The size of airborne pathogens also significantly affects a mask’s effectiveness. Most airborne diseases are spread through large droplets that disposable masks can effectively block. However, some diseases can also be transmitted through smaller aerosols that can slip through the pores of a mask.
Empirical Evidence on Disposable Mask Effectiveness
Numerous scientific studies provide evidence of the effectiveness of disposable masks against airborne diseases.
Effectiveness Against Influenza
A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that surgical masks were as effective as N95 respirators in protecting healthcare workers against influenza, one of the most common airborne diseases.
Effectiveness Against COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable masks played an essential role in curbing the spread of the disease. A meta-analysis in The Lancet, a renowned medical journal, revealed that mask-wearing significantly reduced the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Limitations of Disposable Masks
While disposable masks offer substantial protection, they are not foolproof. They do not provide a tight seal around the face, which can allow smaller aerosolized particles to be inhaled. Additionally, they are designed for single use and should be disposed of after each use, which can make them less practical for prolonged use.
Conclusion
Disposable face masks serve as a crucial resource in combating airborne illnesses. They deliver significant protection, especially against larger respiratory droplets, and play a key role in minimizing the likelihood of transmitting diseases. Nonetheless, they should be used in tandem with other protective strategies like maintaining hand cleanliness and adhering to social distancing guidelines for optimal defence against airborne diseases.
