Cloth facemask facts for kids
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A cloth facemask is a covering for your face. It is worn over your mouth and nose. As the name suggests, these masks are made from fabric. Cotton is a very common material for them.
Cloth masks have been used since the 1800s. At first, they were mainly used by doctors and nurses. People also use them to help protect against air pollution. However, they might not be very good at blocking tiny pollution particles.
These masks can help stop the spread of sickness. They work by blocking tiny liquid droplets that come out when you cough or sneeze. Today, doctors and nurses often use special surgical masks or respirators. These offer even better protection. A study in 2010 showed that some small particles can still pass through cloth masks.
Cloth face masks became very common during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Many people wore them, especially when medical masks were hard to find.
Contents
Why We Use Cloth Masks
Cloth masks have several important uses. They help keep us safe and healthy in different situations.
Stopping Germs from Spreading
One main reason to wear a cloth mask is to help stop germs. When someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or even talks, tiny droplets come out. These droplets can carry viruses or bacteria. A cloth mask acts like a barrier. It helps catch these droplets so they don't spread to others. This is especially helpful if you are sick but don't know it yet.
Protection from Pollution
Some people wear cloth masks to protect themselves from air pollution. This can include dust, smoke, or other tiny particles in the air. While cloth masks can block some larger particles, they are not always effective against very tiny ones. For serious air pollution, special masks are usually needed.
Historical Use of Masks
People have used masks for a long time. In the 19th century, doctors started using cloth masks during surgeries. This helped prevent germs from spreading to patients. During the Spanish flu pandemic over 100 years ago, many people also wore cloth masks. This was to try and slow down the spread of that serious illness.
How Effective Are They?
The effectiveness of a cloth mask depends on a few things. These include the type of fabric and how well it fits.
Fabric and Layers
Masks made from tightly woven fabrics are usually better. Materials like cotton or flannel work well. Masks with multiple layers of fabric also offer more protection. A single layer of thin cloth might not block as many droplets.
Fit and Care
For a mask to work best, it needs to fit snugly. It should cover your nose and mouth completely. There should not be large gaps around the sides. Also, it's important to wash cloth masks regularly. This keeps them clean and effective.
Comparing to Other Masks
Cloth masks are not as protective as medical masks. Surgical masks and respirators (like N95 masks) are designed for healthcare workers. They filter out a much higher percentage of tiny particles. However, cloth masks still offer some protection. They are a good choice for everyday use when medical masks are not needed.
Images for kids
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Infographic from the World Health Organization showing the do's and don'ts of wearing a fabric mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19
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Two French cloth masks certified by AFNOR. The white mask is made of polypropylene and the black one is made of cotton.
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Rhode Island National Guardsmen sew face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, April 6, 2020.
See also
In Spanish: Mascarilla higiénica para niños
