Effectiveness of Face Masks in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Hiroshi Ueki, Yuri Furusawa, Kiyoko Iwatsuki‐Horimoto, Masaki Imai, Hiroki Kabata, Hidekazu Nishimura, Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Abstract
Airborne simulation experiments showed that cotton masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks provide some protection from the transmission of infective SARS-CoV-2 droplets/aerosols; however, medical masks (surgical masks and even N95 masks) could not completely block the transmission of virus droplets/aerosols even when sealed.
Topics & Concepts
Face masksSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Transmission (telecommunications)Sars virusAirborne transmission2019-20 coronavirus outbreakRespiratorMaterials scienceVirologyMedicineComputer scienceTelecommunicationsInfectious disease (medical specialty)Composite materialPathologyOutbreakDiseaseInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsClimate Change and Health Impacts