Asked & Answered: Mask and Candle Test

0 0
Report Post Contact LanChester 92.9
Read Time:1 Minute, 13 Second

Does blowing out a candle from behind your face mask really test the quality of your face mask? You asked, and we’re answering.

By: Chester County
While the candle test has gained popularity this month and certainly isn’t foolproof, researchers confirm that if you can blow out a flame easily while wearing a face mask, there may be too much air exchange between you and your environment. Sure, other variables may be involved like your lung strength, the type of candle, and how the test compares to small aerosols emitted during speaking or coughing. But the candle test may be a good way to test masks that are clearly inadequate.
mask3

So what is an effective mask? The Centers for Disease Control is continually updating its guidelines Masks should:

  • Masks with three layers are recommended.
  • Make sure it fits! One study found that “gaps due to improper fit resulted in over a 60% decrease in the filtration efficiency.”
  • Your mask should fit snugly over your mouth and nostrils, all the way up to the bridge  of your nose.
  • If excess air is escaping from the sides of your mask when you exhale, your mask is inadequate.
  • Make sure your mask is thick enough. Hold it up to a light source and stretch the mask, to test its thickness. If you can see right through it, it’s time for a better mask.

For additional information, read the Chester County Health Department’s guidance on masks.

About Post Author

LanChester 92.9

WNUZ Website Admin Top Level
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %

Average Rating

5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%

Leave a Reply

You're now leaving LanChester 92.9 and WNUZ.org

 

LanChester NUZ 92.9 provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information.

A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site.

Once you link to another web site not maintained by LanChester NUZ 92.9, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that web site, including but not limited to its privacy policy.

For full transparancy, the verbatim URL address  will appear below.

Click on the link below to continue.

You will be redirected to

Click the link above to continue or CANCEL