Did you know that the moisture created inside masks can help fight against respiratory diseases such as Covid-19? According to a team of researchers, this is another benefit of wearing masks regularly.
The study’s findings have been published in the Biophysical Journal. The study, led by researchers at the NIH National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), found that face masks significantly increased the humidity in the air worn by the wearer. breathing mask.
This higher level of humidity in indoor air, the researchers suggested, may help explain why wearing masks has been linked to a lower infection rate in people with SARS-CoV- 2, because irrigation of the respiratory tract is known to benefit the immune system.
“We found that face masks strongly increase the humidity in inhaled air and suggest that irrigation of the respiratory tract may be dependent on the recorded detection that connects disease depth. Covid-19 lower to wearing a mask, “said study lead author Adriaan Bax, Ph.D., NIH Accredited Analyst.
Dr. Bax said, “High levels of humidity have been shown to reduce the severity of influenza, and may be related to the severity of Covid-19 through a similar device.”
High levels of moisture can spread virus to the lungs by stimulating mucociliary clearance (MCC), a protective device that removes mucus and potentially harmful particles inside the mucus.
High levels of humidity can also strengthen the immune system by secreting certain proteins, called interferons, which fight off viruses, a process known as interferon response. Low humidity levels have been shown to weaken both MCC and interferon response, which may be one reason why people are more likely to get respiratory infections in cold weather.
The study tested four common types of mask: N95 mask, disposable three-ply surgical mask, two-ply cotton-polyester mask, and heavy cotton mask. The researchers measured the moisture level by voluntarily working into a sealed steel box. When the person was not wearing a mask, the exhaled water mist filled the box, leading to a rapid increase in humidity inside the box.
When the person was wearing a mask, the humidity level inside the box was greatly reduced, as most of the water valve remained in the mask, thickened, and was removed. -enter again. To ensure that there were no leaks, the masks were fitted tightly against the volunteer using full-density foam rubber. It was measured at three different air temperatures, from about 46 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
The results showed that the four masks increased the indoor air humidity level, but to varying degrees. At lower temperatures, the humidity effects of each mask increased significantly. At all temperatures, the thick cotton mask produced the highest level of humidity.
“The humidity level is greater than most mascara wearers would feel unrecognizable, and unaware that this humidity could be good for them,” said Dr Bax. .
The researchers did not look for which masks are most effective against inhaling or spreading the virus and sent it to the CDC for instructions on choosing a mask. Earlier studies by Bax and colleagues have shown that any clothing mask can help prevent the thousands of saliva droplets that people emit through simple speech drops that can, if release them, stay in the air for many minutes. Although the current study did not examine respiratory droplets, it does offer more evidence as to why masks are essential for fighting Covid-19.
“Even as more people across the country start to be vaccinated, we need to be vigilant in doing our part to prevent the spread of the cornea virus that causes it. Covid-19, “said NIDDK Director Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers.
“This research supports the importance of wearing a mask as a simple but effective way to protect those around us and to protect ourselves from respiratory infections, especially during the winter months. when exposed to these viruses, “Rodgers said.
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This story was published from a wire group group with no text changes.