masks vs. face shields: which one is safer?

while they may be comfortable and easier to clean, face shields leave you vulnerable to infection.

by diana duong

jul 27 2020

3 minute read

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what's the difference between face masks vs. face shields?

face coverings are mandatory in many indoor spaces now in canada. but are face masks and face shields interchangeable? research points to no. getty images

plastic face shields are comfortable to wear as well as easy to clean
evidence shows it is not effective enough on its own
masks provide better overall filter for transmission

everyone knows the importance of face masks at this point. whether it’s a fabric mask, surgical one, or an n95 mask , the snug fit of face masks and its filter material helps prevent those who are coughing — or asymptomatic — from spreading the virus, protecting healthy people from potential infection. but what about face shields?

you’ve likely seen more face shields in recent months. these clear plastic shields attached to a headband are often worn by frontline workers who spend all day in high-risk environments or are constantly face-to-face with people — like grocery store workers and healthcare providers — or those who work directly in front of patients’ mouths, such as dentists and dental hygienists. in these cases, it’s almost impossible to physically distance, making added protection a necessity.

while face shields can provide some protection from covid-19, they are not better than a mask for reducing exposure to the virus. a simulation study published in jama found that if someone were to cough 1.5 feet away, wearing a face shield could reduce the immediate viral exposure by 96 per cent . however, if the person is coughing and talking with you for 30 minutes, the face shield blocks just 68 per cent of small air particles.

the study was published in april — during the height of threats of massive ppe shortages — and highlights that face shields can be quickly and affordably produced and distributed. the author wrote that it “should be included as part of strategies to safely and significantly reduce transmission in the community setting.”

while face shields can provide a barrier, they leave the chin and sides of your face vulnerable to virus exposure. and because they are not tight against the face — unlike masks — respiratory droplets can escape out the bottom and the sides, an important reason why face shields should always be worn with a mask. in fact, ottawa public health states on its website that face shields are not equivalent to wearing a mask and should not be used as a substitute. if face shields are worn, it should be in addition to face masks.

in another simulation study , it was found that while face shields are most effective for large infectious aerosol particles — in other words, cough droplets from people in close range — they do not protect against smaller particles that can remain airborne longer. these droplets flow around the face shield and could easily be inhaled. this is why a snugly fitted face mask is recommended.

if physical distancing is possible between yourself and others, a face shield is not necessary, states johns hopkins medicine . a mask will contain your droplets and it’s recommended to avoid close contact with anyone who is not wearing a mask. for those who are consistently in close contact with others, a face shield — along with a mask — will provides extra protection, blocking the eyes from contamination, and serving as backup coverage of the nose and mouth. the physical barrier can also help remind people not to touch their face.

dduong@postmedia.com | @dianaduo

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masks vs. face shields: which one is safer?

while they may be comfortable and easier to clean, face shields leave you vulnerable to infection.

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who: letting virus spread through herd immunity is "scientifically and ethically problematic"

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masks vs. face shields: which one is safer?

while they may be comfortable and easier to clean, face shields leave you vulnerable to infection.

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mandatory masks would help 'hammer down' covid

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