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Simulations of Japanese supercomputers have shown that the use of two masks offers limited benefits in blocking viral spread compared to a properly fitted mask.
The findings partially contradict recent recommendations by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that two masks were better than one to reduce a person’s exposure to the coronavirus.
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The researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to model the flow of virus particles from people using different types and combinations of masks, according to a study released on Thursday by research giant Riken and Kobe University.
The use of a single surgical mask, made of non-woven material, was 85% effective in blocking particles when used tightly around the nose and face. Adding a polyurethane mask to the top increased the effectiveness to just 89%.
Using two non-woven masks is not useful because the air resistance increases and causes leakage at the edges.
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“The performance of double masking just doesn’t match,” wrote the researchers, led by Makoto Tsubokura.
In general, professional-grade N95 masks were the best at protecting against infection, followed by non-woven masks, cloth masks and, finally, polyurethane types, the study showed.
The research team Riken previously used the Fugaku supercomputer to model how moisture can affect viral contagion and the risks of infection in trains, workspaces and other environments.
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With the advancement of the COVID-19 epidemic, scientific consensus has grown that the virus spreads through the air and masks are effective in controlling contagion.
(Reporting by Rocky Swift; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)