Given the wide variety of face coverings that people are wearing, how do we know which are effective? After explaining why masks are important, this post outlines two simple tests that can go a long was to identifying masks that work and don’t work.
The vaping test gives a very graphic idea of how well a particular mask works – and why it’s important to cover the nose as well as the mouth. However, it would be hard to encourage vaping in a school setting.
The candle flame test is also effective and drives home the point of why masks are a good idea. If you cannot blow out a candle with your mask on, it’s going to be very hard to pass on the virus when wearing the mask.
The candle flame test can make a great classroom experiment, even if the classroom is virtual.