Myths About Masks Debunked
With the COVID-19 outbreak, more people have become increasingly health-conscious. As states reopen from stay-in-place orders, many require people to wear face coverings in public spaces to reduce the spread COVID-19.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend cloth masks for the general public. There has been a lot of research as to why masks help in the prevention of spreading disease. In countries (such as China and Korea) where masks were already a norm, COVID-19 has been effectively contained and new cases of infection have been drastically reduced.
Though, some people still have their doubts as to why wearing a mask in public is important to them and those around them. So to dispel any hesitations about wearing face coverings in public settings, we are going to debunk some common myths that surround masks.
If I Don’t Wear a Mask, I’m Not Hurting Anyone But Myself
Answer: FALSE
According to the CDC, many people who have or had COVID-19 show no symptoms. That does not mean that other people will be lucky enough to be asymptomatic. You may have the disease and have unknowingly spread it to others, making you a carrier. Those who have underlying conditions are more vulnerable to the more severe symptoms of illness, this includes people who have immuno-deficiencies, the elderly, and babies.
Asymptomatic carriers can increase disease spread if they are not taking proper precautions, this includes wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing their hands effectively. You never know who is more susceptible to illness, so wearing a mask keeps everyone safe.
There Is No Wrong Way To Wear A Mask
Answer: FALSE
According to the CDC, here are the rules when wearing a mask to make it effective:
- Be secured with ties or ear loops.
- Fits snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face.
- Allow for unrestricted breathing.
- Cover both your nose and mouth.
- For cloth masks, they should be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or shape changes.
- Have multiple layers of fabric.
- Those who cannot remove a mask without assistance should not wear one.
Disposable masks should be disposed of after every use since they cannot be washed thoroughly without breaking down. Miro Safety Maks are non-woven and are bio-degradable, but this means that you cannot wash them and should not use them after one use.
Additionally, when you are not using your masks, you should not pull it below your chin. Instead should remove it completely. This is because there could be germs and bacteria on and around your neck, which could contaminate the mask and cause you to breathe in those germs and bacteria.
Wearing A Mask Can Poison Me With Excess Carbon Dioxide Build-Up
Answer: FALSE
As with any changes to lifestyle or new product, there are people who have doubts and worries. Which is completely understandable, you do not want to engage in an activity that will do more harm than good. When it comes to masks, some people suspect that wearing a face-covering for an extended period of time will impair breathing and poison you with excess carbon dioxide (CO2).
While masks do keep you from expelling water droplets, they do not keep you from expelling CO2. Properly fitted masks provide adequate airflow from your nose and mouth. Masks may feel a bit uncomfortable, but an accumulation of CO2 is impossible when wearing masks appropriately.
People who have breathing problems, those who cannot remove a mask without assistance, and children under the age of two years old should not wear face coverings.
All Masks Do The Same Thing
Answer: TRUE BUT...
Not all masks are created equal. Some provide more protection than others. Different types of masks serve different purposes. The CDC and WHO have stated that cloth masks are effective for the general public. Any mask that covers the nose and mouth is recommended and will serve the same purpose.
It is important to note that N95 masks with valves are not recommended for most people. These masks are usually used in construction to prevent workers from breathing in dust, but the valve allows for air and droplets to be expelled. This does not help in containing your droplets and any germs that you may carry. Making them ineffective for protecting those around you.
Surgical masks are not heavily recommended by the CDC and WHO because they should be reserved for health care providers.
Miro Safety Masks are made with a non-woven MB filter, both KF94 and KN95 certified. Miro repurposed its HEPA filter manufacturing line to make these masks. They are single-use masks that are in ready supply and available to the public. While cloth masks are effective, the Miro Safety Masks provide increased protection.
You Don’t Need To Wear A Mask Outside
Answer: FALSE
Being outside is considered safer than being inside, you only don’t need to wear a mask outdoors if you are able to social distance. Always stand at least six feet apart from people you don’t live with, and remember to bring a mask whenever you leave the house! Leaving disposable masks in your car or in a bag or purse is very helpful in case you forget your mask at home. Since the Miro Safety Mask comes in a pack of five, it is very convenient to store spares.
There is a lot of evidence that inhaled droplets are a major source of transmission, so it is important to keep yourself protected at all times, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
You Don’t Need to Wear A Mask If You Have Recovered From COVID-19
Answer: FALSE
If you have had COVID-19 in the past, this does not guarantee immunity. There is no solid evidence that proves that having COVID-19 antibodies means that you are immune. So even if you have had COVID-19 before, it is still important to protect yourself from getting infected again. You could potentially contract the disease again and spread it on to others.