Face masks equipped with exhalation valves might look cool, but they’re pretty much worthless when it comes to stopping the spread of the coronavirus.
That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which points out that regular masks stop transmission by serving as a barrier; so any openings in the barrier defeat the purpose. The CDC says cloth masks with no openings are a much better choice.
Face masks with valves or vents do not prevent spread of coronavirus, CDC says https://t.co/ujQACpSDFW
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 13, 2020
That’s not to say valved masks are completely useless. They prevent wearers from breathing in foreign particles while allowing them to exhale freely — making them more suitable for construction work, according to the CDC.
This sucks because that’s the kind of mask I have been wearing for 5 months!
What kind of mask do you wear? Would it have been a good idea for the government to issue approved masks to the public?
