This thread is another example for false dichotomy thinking that is so prevalent: Mask or no mask? Yes or No?
Sorry, it's not that simple. There are at least three factors that determine appropriate protection against air-borne or aerosolized pathogens/chemicals.
- Filtering effectiveness
- Concentration
- Exposure Duration
This is stated explicitly on industrial filter cartridges. "Rated for such and such for so many hours in concentrations under so many ppm"
What does this mean for me practically with Covid-19?
I have an NBC-rated full face mask with positive pressure SCABA hook up. That's what I would wear if would be face to face with positive Covid-19 patients day in and day out. I am deeply grateful to all the healthcare professionals who saved lives with substantially less, especially to those who unfortunately paid the ultimate price.
Next level down is P100 rated half mask and goggles. I would have worn this in NYC if I had to work or shop there.
Fortunately here in northern MD, where I am currently hunkering down, it did not get that bad. Why? Because we have social distancing built in. Not as extreme as in WY, MT, ND, etc. but certainly more than the DC area or NYC. So, for errands I went down to the level of a N95 mask with goggles.
I also reduced the re-supply runs to one per month and use gloves, proper donning and doffing, awareness of cross-contamination potential, etc.
As I said before, this is a lottery with no desirable prizes. The only thing this lottery offers is a 1-4% chance of death plus a chance of permanent reduction of life quality roughly an order of magnitude higher. Why would I buy even 1 ticket, let alone 100 in this lottery?
I do not hesitate to handle highly concentrated acids with bare hands (and eye pro) but would never expose myself to something that could possibly contain asbestos without proper PPE. I tack weld mild steel without gloves and just close my eyes. Welding anything with
Chromium means either properly rated respirator or effective fume removal. Skin burns heal within a week. Effed up lungs or cancer take years or decades off your life.
I sometimes wear a parachute when flying not because I am afraid or such a lousy pilot but because I am operating very close to other airplanes or close to the limits of my own bird. Proper risk management considers probability AND consequences. I have been doing crazy stuff and have been messing with nasty substances for over 40 years. Still having all my senses, all limbs, fingers, and toes, full lung capacity, and no cancer as of today, took a little more than just luck.
As far as loss of freedom is concerned, that depended on the government's decisions, not whether I wear a mask for my safety or not. A tyrannical governor is not going to back down just because people don't wear masks. It will take a little more to rein these characters back in. I wear mask and other PPE not to hand the government more power but to increase my chance of being around and healthy when some power needs to be taken back with one of the three boxes. BTW: When you get to the last box are you still wearing just cloth or a little more?
