In today’s polarized society, discussions often devolve into extremes, especially regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The mask debate exemplifies this divide, with some insisting that only N95 respirators — which filter out 95% of airborne particles — are effective, while others dismiss even those as useless. The argument often includes the bizarre notion that if one can smell a fart through a mask, then masks must not offer protection from viruses.
A recent Twitter thread featuring Dr. James Carter, a chemistry professor at the University of North Carolina, addressed this flawed reasoning. He explained that while fart odors can penetrate masks, this doesn’t negate the protective function of masks against viruses.
Dr. Carter noted, “Let’s look at the size of molecules responsible for the odor in flatulence,” focusing on methanethiol (CH3SH), which is characterized by a particularly pungent smell. This molecule measures around 0.4 nanometers in diameter. In contrast, viruses, including COVID-19, typically range from 20 to 400 nanometers, with the COVID-19 virus sitting around 60-140 nanometers. This means that the virus is approximately 100 to 1,000 times larger than the molecules responsible for fart smells.
How Do Masks Work?
An N95 mask can filter 95% of particles around 300 nanometers in size, thanks to its tightly woven fabric and multiple layers that serve as barriers to larger entities like viruses and droplets from sneezes and coughs.
But what about cloth masks? While the effectiveness of homemade masks can vary based on fabric and construction, Dr. Carter emphasized that any barrier is better than none. “Having some form of barrier between an infected individual and a healthy individual is far superior to allowing open air to facilitate the transfer of viruses,” he stated.
To illustrate his point, Dr. Carter provided an analogy: “Claiming that ‘I can smell a fart through a mask, so there’s no point in wearing it’ is like locking a castle gate to block horsemen but arguing it’s pointless because bugs can still get through.” In this analogy, the horsemen represent the coronavirus, while the bugs symbolize the harmless fart smells. If everyone wears a mask, we collectively reduce our chances of transmitting the virus — a fundamental principle of risk mitigation.
This is precisely why I trust scientists over uninformed opinions, like those from my cousin Steve, who insists that “masks are for the weak” while lounging in his recliner and drinking cheap beer. Understanding viruses is complex. Even experts dedicate years to studying them and recognize their behaviors can defy common sense.
For instance, one overview of coronaviruses discusses their intricate genetic structure, a detail that reinforces the need for specialized knowledge in this field. It’s crucial for us to acknowledge what we don’t know and to heed the advice of experts. COVID-19 is a minuscule virus that behaves in unpredictable ways, and relying on so-called “common sense” can lead us astray.
If scientists recommend wearing masks — even homemade ones — we should comply and wear them. This is crucial for our collective health.
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In summary, while the odor from farts can pass through masks, the protection they offer against viruses like COVID-19 is substantial. We must rely on scientific evidence and expert guidance to navigate these health challenges.
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