Good illustration--Face masks are reducing COVID-19 infection risk

[Bayard]

The primary way of person-to-person corona virus transmission is via aerosols or small droplets created by breathing, sneezing or coughing. The reach of exhaled air can be effectively reduced using a face mask as shown in our video. A simple Schlieren imaging technique is applied to visualize the air flow caused by a person breathing and coughing. Using a face mask the exhaled air flow is blocked reducing effectively the risk of infection. Also nicely shown is the heat transfer from the body to the cooler ambient air. More information about the Schlieren imaging technique is given here.

[Mike 03]

1. Really interesting.

I'd like to see this done with a second person facing this guy three to six feet away and wearing a mask to see if the spray produced by this person is diverted or dissipated by the mask being worn by the second person--and where it goes.

[SheltieLover]

2. Me too!

TY for posting!

[pandr32]

3. This should be done with homemade cloth masks

[Mike 03]

4. Good idea!

I want to see it too.

[Talitha]

5. Anyone who's ever walked outside in the winter...

has seen their breath come out in vaporous puffs. So we should instinctively realize that moist particles that we exhale are being sent into the air by the vary act of our breathing. Just because we can't see the particles in warmer weather doesn't mean they're not there.

For example, have you ever walked 15' behind someone and been able to smell their breath? No matter if it's beer, garlic, cigarette odor or just plain old bad breath. The fact that you smelled it means you just walked into a cloud of the vapor they're exhaling, and you just inhaled some of it.

[Bayard]

6. Yack

[Duppers]

7. K & R