Mask Policy Webinar
Efficient masks remove virus aerosols and protect wearers. Inefficient or loose fitting masks may capture less than 20% of the aerosols. New evidence reveals that virus aerosols are a significant transmission route. The guidelines and advice given to the public are to wear masks not for self- protection but to protect others. Mcilvaine Company questions this policy and is trying to understand all the many factors which should impact mask decisions. In this pursuit a webinar open to everyone was held on June 18, 2020. The proposition to be discussed and debated is Should the primary use of masks be to protect the wearer?
A number of recent research papers validate airborne transmission of small virus aerosols along with the possibility that even long distance travelers may become dormant but are revitalized when they are inhaled. Efficient N95 masks will capture these aerosols.. However, this type of mask is uncomfortable unless it is equipped with a valve to allow unfiltered breath to be exhaled. For this reason masks with valves are prohibited in some communities and not recommended in general guidelines.
Masks have proven to be extremely effective in protecting asbestos workers, Asian citizens in high air pollution areas and those with immune deficiencies. The moon has a hostile atmosphere but man has walked its surface. The common denominator is that the danger of the conditions is accepted and masks are designed to keep the wearer safe. The webinar will probe ways that more efficient N80 masks without valves can be made available to billions of people. It will cover the potential for a range of masks including some with valves to be used depending on individuals and circumstances.