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T-shirt mask could help in flu pandemic

Re: What to do about Masks?

Re: What to do about Masks?

Very informative set of posts. At this point I ask

?Are we preparing for the correct threat in the correct sequence??

I refer to the WHO guidelines. First is a 53 page checklist linked to specific phases
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/influenza/WHO_CDS_CSR_GIP_2005_5.pdf

Next are guidelines on the use of masks
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/influenza/Mask Clarification10_11.pdf

We have discussed on threads here that the announcement of Phase 4 will be a major tripping wire for the population to pay attention to the pandemic threat. Since the most common media reports on preparedness are 1) stockpiling and 2) social distancing, we may see a rush on supplies and marked increase in social distress well before the arrival of a single case of human H5N1 in the Americas.

Let me propose that we consider preparing for the threat of social disruption associated with the sudden awareness of the pandemic threat once we go to Phase 4. I plan to write up a ?virtual tabletop? on the topic late tonight and post in the psychological aspects thread early tomorrow. Feel free to start without me.
C R
 
Re: What to do about Masks?

Re: What to do about Masks?

We reach millions. We are viewed by leaders, international organizations, governments, world's experts, and many of the world's citizens. I know this for a fact.

As I post this, I am helping a world expert prepare a presentation for an international conference where he will be the authoritative source on H5N1. His global reach is immense.

All of the information he needs is here. We are a "one-stop shop" for H5N1.

Never doubt your impact.

We offer hope to the world's citizens.

We will persevere in this endeavor.

We will continue to provide information that helps to lessen morbidity and mortality.
 
Re: What to do about Masks?

Re: What to do about Masks?

Thank you for being willing to develop a table top exercise. That is an exceptional idea. So often we have what I call 'cloistered professional think tank' exercises at conferences but the general public does not have the opportunity to be involved and learn nd share. This is an wonderful and helpful opportunity to inform and collect information that can help our global family become more aware of the serious possibilities of this pandemic threat.

I look froward to your virtual tabletop exercise and all the thoughts, comments and contributions that will result.

T M
Christian Rivers said:
Very informative set of posts. At this point I ask

?Are we preparing for the correct threat in the correct sequence??
CR you are so right. I look forward to that table top exercise and discussion. Many on my team believe that the H5N1 will only come to major light when 'the first bird droms in America". To some degree that may be true for some. I certainly hope ti will be sooner than that when people wake up and start to realize the potential of all of this. Your idea of a table top exercise is exceptional. Often we have table top exercises for the 'cloistered professionals' at conferences. By offering a table top exercise in virtual cyber space it can be an opportunity for all kinds fo people to participate in it and help to provide educational awareness for everyone. tahnk you for beign willing ot do this.


I refer to the WHO guidelines. First is a 53 page checklist linked to specific phases
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/influenza/WHO_CDS_CSR_GIP_2005_5.pdf

Next are guidelines on the use of masks
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/influenza/Mask%20Clarification10_11.pdf

We have discussed on threads here that the announcement of Phase 4 will be a major tripping wire for the population to pay attention to the pandemic threat. Since the most common media reports on preparedness are 1) stockpiling and 2) social distancing, we may see a rush on supplies and marked increase in social distress well before the arrival of a single case of human H5N1 in the Americas.

Let me propose that we consider preparing for the threat of social disruption associated with the sudden awareness of the pandemic threat once we go to Phase 4. I plan to write up a ?virtual tabletop? on the topic late tonight and post in the psychological aspects thread early tomorrow. Feel free to start without me.
C R
Click to expand...
 
Why t-shirt masks won't work

Why t-shirt masks won't work

I finally sat down and did the math on this one.

A Hanes, heavy weight t-shirt was stretched and the weave has holes of 1/2 mm size in them. (mm = 1 x 10 -3 meters or .001m)

The Influenza A virus measures 80 nm under an electron microscope (nm = 1 x 10 -9 or .000000001m)

So, given the weave of the fabric (.0005m) and the size of the virus (.00000008m) You are looking at roughly 1000 virus particles fitting thru each hole in the weave - for which there are thousands. 8 layers of fabric will not do the job!


--- EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN ---

I sat down this evening to read the book Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus That Caused It by Gina Kolata

Low and behold, on page 23 it states:

"In Tucson, Arizonia, the board of health issued a ruling that "no person shall appear in any street, park, or place where any business is transacted, or in any other public place within the city of Tucson, without WEARING A MASK CONSISTING OF AT LEAST FOUR THICKNESSES OF BUTTER CLOTH OR AT LEAST SEVEN THICKNESSES OF ORDINARY GAUZE, COVERING BOTH THE NOSE AND THE MOUTH"

It didn't work then and it won't work now. Common sense tells you it can't -- you can see the fabric weave with the naked eye. A virus is so small you need an electron microscope to view it.
 
Re: Why t-shirt masks won't work

Re: Why t-shirt masks won't work

kr105 said:
I finally sat down and did the math on this one.

A Hanes, heavy weight t-shirt was stretched and the weave has holes of 1/2 mm size in them. (mm = 1 x 10 -3 meters or .001m)

The Influenza A virus measures 80 nm under an electron microscope (nm = 1 x 10 -9 or .000000001m)

So, given the weave of the fabric (.0005m) and the size of the virus (.00000008m) You are looking at roughly 1000 virus particles fitting thru each hole in the weave - for which there are thousands. 8 layers of fabric will not do the job!
Click to expand...


You are not replicating the construction of the actual mask. Let's review. The mask has 8 layers, and each layer is laid crosswise to the layer beneath. The fabric is boiled to shrink it, and the filter is not stretched in wear because of the 8 sewn-together layers. I just folded a t-shirt into 8 layers, and I can't even see light through it. You are not doing a fair test.

Just for fun, fold a t-shirt in half, then in half again, press it over your face, sealing the edges well, and try to breathe through it. There is significant breathing resistance, which will get worse as the thing gets damp. But it proves that there is a pressure gradient developing, and significant filtration.

Next test. Find an associate (I used the nearest kid). Open a packet of sweet-n-low and pour it into a teacup. Have said kid blow it into your face while you breathe through the 8 layers. Can you taste the sweetner? I can't and the kid can't either.

Just these 2 tests indicate that the t-shirt mask is likely to be somewhat effective.
 
Re: T-shirt mask could help in flu pandemic

I have to admit that the amount of masks that I have purchased for my supply closet will not be enough to get my family pass the first wave. I'm going to have to stock some more soon. :rolleyes: I know when and if we run out, I will resort to using the good old cowboy scarves doubled up of course. Anything is better than nothing and if all -ell breaks loose I'm not going anywhere except to check on my horses..:)
 
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Re: T-shirt mask could help in flu pandemic

I was told that a a reasonable place to consider for N-95 masks is McGills Warehouse. www.mcgillswarehouse.com Look under dust masks and then look for the DDM4. Was told that they are the best for being as cool as possible as well as having the vent valve. I do not have any personal or economic connection with the company. Just heard it was a reasonable place to get masks.
TM
 
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