the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the US CDC published updated analysis regarding the role of mask use in protecting the wearer. The official CDC guidance continues to emphasize the value of masks in terms of “source control”—ie, that masks limit the volume of droplets expelled into the environment—rather than as protection for the wearer; however, the updated analysis indicates that masks can provide protection for the wearer as well, including the ability to filter “fine droplets and particles less than 10 microns.” Recent studies found that the filtration effect varied between masks and mask types, with multi-layer masks constructed with more densely woven material performing better than single-layer masks made from lower thread count fabric. The guidance also references studies that evaluated various mask materials, including both synthetic (eg, polypropylene) and natural materials (eg, silk). The CDC does not appear to have issued a corresponding update to its guidance on mask use (ie, to highlight the benefit to the wearer), but we will monitor the CDC website for any forthcoming changes. Hopefully, this new information will encourage increased mask use among the public.
