Economic Times: Poorly fitted face masks can double infection risk
UC researchers say good fit makes all the difference in mask's protection from COVID-19
Economic Times reported on research at the University of Cincinnati that found poor-fitting face masks can double the risk of infection from airborne diseases such as COVID-19.
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science professor Rupak Banerjee and his co-authors used computerized tomography scans of three sizes of N95 face masks to identify gaps in the wear on three different sizes of mannequin heads.
They found that poorly fitting masks can have substantial leaks around the face that reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of infection.
Their study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
“Many people do not realize that the fit of face masks can vary. There are different face shapes and different sizes of masks,” Banerjee said.
Featured image at top: UC graduate student Israel Ajiboye wears an N95 face mask. Photo/Ravenna Rutledge/UC Creative + Brand
Related Stories
UC expands popular STEM program across Ohio
March 28, 2024
UC's popular Biology Meets Engineering program introduces high school students to STEM. Now, the National Science Foundation is paying UC to bring the program to three other Ohio universities.
Spectrum News: Marian Spencer’s legacy remembered amid Coney...
March 27, 2024
Spectrum News features the story of UC alumna Marian Spencer as part of its storytelling for Women's History Month. Spencer was instrumental in desegregating Cincinnati's Coney Island as well as Cincinnati Public Schools.
WLWT: Could a bridge collapse like Baltimore's happen here?
March 27, 2024
WLWT spoke to a University of Cincinnati engineering professor to get context about how local Ohio River bridges and bridge traffic compare to the Baltimore span that collapsed after being struck by a container ship.