The Ubiquitous Mask

Swine Flu, err…. New Flu, err…. H1N1. This bug has so many names now, it’s hard to keep track. Whatever you call it, it’s everywhere and spreading. And although this new strain is powerful and highly contagious, it so far hasn’t proved itself anywhere near as lethal as it’s more traditional cousins.

Still, people are rightfully concerned and taking the necessary precautions. For those that qualify, these precautions include the highly controversial H1N1 vaccine. Is it safe? Does it work? Even the so called experts aren’t entirely sure!

These days almost every public space is equipped with a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. I’m a dyed-in-the-wool germaphobe, so y’all already know I’m thrilled because this means that I don’t have to wash my hands in ice cold water or wipe my wet hands on my pants But, I’m especially thrilled because, although Japan seems unwilling or unable to provide either hot water or paper towels, at the very least it seems people are finally embracing the one thing known AND proven to cut the spread of contagious agents… alcohol-based sanitizers.

All the sanitizer aside, Japan, like the rest of Asia, remains committed to its face masks. According to some, it’s to prevent the wearer from getting sick. But according to others, it’s to prevent the wearer from spreading his/her germs with others. Which ever you choose to believe, seems everyone ends up wearing one this time of year. Like, gloves… check. Scarf… check. Hat… check… Louis Vuitton… check. Face mask… check!

I’ve written about my skepticism of the effectiveness of these germ masks before. Even then, there were studies and reports questioning just whether or not these masks work at preventing either wearer or others from getting sick. The reports weren’t well received. Clearly, face masks remain as popular today as ever. Not trying to start any mess, but maybe it was because those reports were from British sources.

But now Japanese researchers at the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan have conducted their own studies, and the results reported last week in on Japan Today showed that 11 of the 15 brands of face masks underperformed their claims of reducing exposure to the viruses by 99%.

According to the article:

The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan examined 15 brands of mask sold at convenience stores and mass retailers in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture between August and October, of which 11 underperformed while claiming to cut exposure to viruses by 99% or meet the standards of surgical masks that block viruses by 95%. Three of the 11 did not even achieve reductions of 50%.

I’m still waiting on further scientific support of my personal claim that face masks, moistened our 98 degree germ ladden breath, actually contribute to the spread of germs, but for now I’m content (read: smug) with the knowledge that these masks don’t work as well as advertised.

My medical advice, for what it’s worth, remains: if you’re sick, stay home! Wash your hands with soap and hot water. And keep a bottle of hand sanitizer on you AT ALL TIMES!!!

Related posts:

1. Swine Flu in the City

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Other Links to this Post

1. JapanSoc — November 27, 2009 @ 5:39 pm

2. City Under Red Sun » The Ubiquitous Mask | searchgoodluck — November 27, 2009 @ 10:36 pm

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