N99 Mask Effectiveness<\/h3>\n
Do masks actually work? Lots of smart, skeptical people question this. Fortunately, scientists have done the hard work for us! Here\u2019s what their data says for the three most common questions we hear at Smart Air.<\/p>\n This is the easiest question to answer. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh tested different masks by running diesel exhaust through them and measuring how many small 0.007 micron particles the masks blocked. Virus particles are approximately 0.1 microns in diameter. The data shows masks can capture particles over 10 times smaller than viruses.<\/p>\n This question is tougher to answer. You need a $10,000 machine like this one to test it. Our N99 mask was fit tested in a lab in Mumbai, India and the results showed the mask was blocking 99% percent of particles.<\/p>\n Read more about our fit tests in Mumbai, India in our Review: Air Pollution Masks for India<\/a> blog post.<\/p>\n Learn more about how\u00a0 N99 work, view the tests and data by Smart Air in our Air Pollution Mask Guide<\/a><\/p>\n A study run by researchers at the University of Edinburgh<\/a><\/span> tested the effectiveness of different masks at capturing particles as small as 0.007 microns (ten times smaller than the smallest virus particle). Surgical masks were found to capture 80% of the particles, with industrial masks such as 3M masks and dust respirators capturing over 95% of the 0.007-micron particles.<\/p>\n![\"India](\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2015\/12\/India-Mask-Fit-Test-Effectiveness-Venus-Only-1024x555.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLearn more about N99 masks<\/h2>\n
Do masks capture the really small particles?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Different](\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/11\/mask-effectiveness.png\")
<\/p>\nBottom line: Test data shows masks capture even the really tiny particles.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nDo masks work when you wear them?<\/h2>\n
Bottom line: masks work well even while people are wearing them.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"Thomas](\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/11\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-09-at-18.39.12.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nHow long do masks last?<\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2017\/09\/MaskUse.jpg\")
Thomas tested a new N99 mask and a mask he had worn for 11 days in Beijing. The new mask blocked 99%; the old mask blocked 98%. This data suggests they last at least 11 days. Not bad! After 2-3 weeks, you\u2019ll probably want to throw the mask away anyway because it gets gross!<\/p>\n
\nCan air pollution masks filter out viruses and other tiny particles?<\/h2>\n
Bottom line: Surgical masks and industrial masks such as 3M or N99 masks are able to filter out the coronavirus.<\/strong><\/h4>\n