[falcolas]

Masks are not effective. There are not only professionals saying this, there are scientific studies, and as a result, fewer surgeons are wearing them, favoring instead a plastic face shield.

Why are they not effective? Because they don’t contain the aerosolized moisture from your breath. Most masks, unless properly sealed against your face and not impeded by moisture in the mask, will bypass the mask entirely and vent out the sides. How long does it take for moisture to impede airflow through the mask? About 30 minutes.

So, unless you are replacing your mask for a new one every 30 minutes, and are ensuring that its properly fit every time, wearing a mask is a placebo at best.

Can a mask block you from spitting on everyone? Sure, but so can your arm or hand when you’re coughing.