The COVID-19 is still ravaging the globe and there is no end in sight except leading a health-conscious life which the WHO and other leading healthcare bodies prescribe. And beside maintaining a social distance wearing a face covering or a mask is a new normal in COVID-19.
But medical-grade masks like surgical masks, Chinese made KN-95, European FFP-2, or US-made N-95 are the best ones available in the market. But due to a surge in global COVID-19 cases cloth made masks and homemade DIY masks are also in demand.
Though the effectiveness of these masks are not 100% but they do prevent a good portion of airborne droplets from entering the respiratory system. At the same time, there are lots of counterfeit masks copies of KN-95, FFP-2, and N-95.
To detect the effectiveness of a mask – weather its homemade or low qualities of medical grades – there are some simple but effective tests available. One of the tests is trying to put out a candle wearing a mask. Is the breathing air put out the candle then the mask is low quality and is not effective against COVID-19. As a sufficient amount of air passes through it.
Another test is putting a small amount of water in the outer layer of a mask, and if the water pours through then it is also a low-quality mask.
A recent study showed that a multi-layered cotton mask is effective, as well as other medical-grade ones. But single-layered cloth masks are less effective and advised against.
Though these tests vary on wearers breathing capacity and other factors like how fast the air particle is traveling.
Nonetheless, in the widespread of the virus, it is highly recommended to use some face coverings to protect themselves.
