N95 masks are considered the gold standard in personal protective equipment because they block 95% of large and small particles using a unique electrostatic precipitator.
The filter works by blocking neutral particles like bacteria and viruses before they pass through the mask, protecting the holder and those around them.
N95 masks also fit better on the face.
Studies have shown that masks significantly reduce the chances of transmitting or receiving coronavirus, but not all masks offer equal protection.
Depending on the fabric and the number of layers, self-made and simple masks have an effectiveness that can go up to 26%, which means that the person wearing it is tangible anyway.
In an interview with CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Karan described why N95s are critical at this stage of the pandemic.
He said if people were to wear these masks indoors, the change it would make would be: Stopping the pandemic.
The quality of protection that a face mask can provide is essential. A respiratory disease like coronavirus is transmitted through aerosols, small particles that vibrate and hang in the air.
Some virus-carrying particles are small enough to travel through or around lower quality masks, making the user vulnerable to viral particle absorption.
Experts still point out that it is important to wear a mask whenever you go out.
A study in Lancet Digital Health found that a 10% increase in people wearing masks could lead to a tripling of the chances of keeping the pandemic more in control.
The ability to control the spread of coronavirus is in our hands (and faces).
Source: CNN
