From scarves to HEPA filters, what kind of face covering is your best bet against coronavirus?
Two studies looked at which materials are best for homemade masks.
By
Jane M. Lee
April 9, 2020, 4:05 AM
What makes a better face covering to guard against COVID-19 transmission, a T-shirt or a scarf? Is it safe to use a vacuum cleaner bag? What about a coffee filter?
With U.S. government and health officials calling for the public to wear face coverings to help combat the coronavirus, the internet is abuzz with advice -- and debates -- on which approach is best.
Along with the new directives, the CDC website now features instructions for making several different homemade masks from materials including T-shirts, bandanas and coffee filters. But search online and you'll find many who say that masks made from cut-up HEPA filters -- high-efficiency particulate air filters used in vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and HVAC systems -- are even more effective.
The claim is understandable. While N95 masks used by medical professionals block 95% of particles 0.3 microns in size, HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles that size, according to U.S. Department of Energy standards.
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https://abcnews.go.com/Health/scarves-hepa-filters-kind-face-covering-best-bet/story?id=70058603&cid=clicksource_4380645_2_heads_hero_live_headlines_hed
