In today’s polarized society, discussions often lack nuance, especially when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. The debate over masks has become particularly contentious. Some argue that unless you’re wearing an N95 respirator—which filters out 95% of airborne particles—any mask is useless. Others even dismiss the efficacy of N95 masks, claiming that since you can smell farts through them, they can’t offer protection.
A recent Twitter thread tackled this flawed reasoning. Dr. Alex J. McCarthy, a chemistry professor at a prominent university, explained why masks can still block viruses despite not being able to contain odors. He pointed out the size difference between fart molecules and viruses. For instance, methanethiol, a compound responsible for the odor in farts, is around 0.4 nanometers in diameter. In contrast, viruses generally range from about 20 to 400 nanometers, with the COVID-19 virus measuring approximately 60 to 140 nanometers. This means that the COVID-19 virus is significantly larger—100 to 1,000 times more so—than the molecules that create fart smells.
Dr. McCarthy elaborated on how N95 masks function. They are designed to filter out 95% of particles, including those around 300 nanometers in size. The tight weave and multiple layers of these masks create a formidable barrier against larger entities such as viruses and droplets.
Some may still argue that homemade cloth masks are ineffective, but Dr. McCarthy clarifies that any barrier is better than none at all. He emphasized that having some form of protection between an infected person and a healthy individual is far superior to the risk of open transmission.
To illustrate his point, he used an analogy: claiming that since you can smell a fart through a mask means there’s no point in wearing one is akin to putting a gate on a castle to keep out horsemen while arguing that it’s pointless because roaches can still get in. In this case, the horsemen represent the threat of coronavirus, and the roaches symbolize the smell of farts.
The logic here is straightforward—if everyone wears masks, we collectively reduce the chances of spreading the virus. This is a fundamental principle of risk mitigation, grounded in scientific understanding. Listening to experts like Dr. McCarthy is crucial, especially when faced with misinformation from those who lack a scientific background.
It’s essential to recognize the complexity of viruses. Most of us are not equipped to understand their behavior fully, and even scientists spend years studying them. For instance, Dr. McCarthy referenced a detailed scientific description of coronaviruses, noting the intricate structure of their genomes.
In conclusion, it’s vital to admit when we don’t know something and to heed the guidance of experts. COVID-19 is a minuscule virus that often behaves unpredictably. Therefore, relying on science rather than “common sense” is crucial. If scientists recommend wearing a mask, even a homemade one, it’s wise to comply.
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Summary:
The article emphasizes the importance of wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite misconceptions about their efficacy. It highlights the significant size difference between virus particles and odor molecules, illustrating that masks can provide a level of protection. The piece advocates for scientific literacy and urges readers to trust expert advice in managing health risks.