Ralph,

Please quantify 'significantly reduce viral emissions' and cite your
evidence. Also, please describe the face mask(s) to which you and your
source(s) attribute this benefit. What are the contraindications for mask
wear? What sort of sequelae might be expected from the blockage of normal
respiration? Are you prescribing this as a medically approved device? Are
you a medical doctor?

I'm thinking you're going along just to go along and you want everybody else
to go along with you. Don't go scientificating on people who know better
than to blindly accept unfounded assertions.

J. S. Bonnell

-----Original Message-----
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
[mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of Stuart, Ralph
Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2020 11:14
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Community Protection Strategies in the COVID Era
Webinar

> >I noticed that several in the Chat area were virtually begging for an
assertion that a face mask provides substantial protection to the wearer...
I suggest it would be very useful to explain that, while a face covering may
provide some slight protection to the wearer, its primary function and use
is to significantly reduce viral emissions from a wearer who is infected but
asymptomatic.

I can see your point in a one on one or small group conversation where I can
get follow up questions from the person to see whether they are accepting
the information I am providing. I assume that they will be comparing what I
have to say with what they have heard elsewhere from a wide variety of
sources is varying motives and expertise.

My experience with large groups who have unknown perceptions (both of you as
a speaker and of the topic itself), is that a fully developed explanation
will be too complicated be shared in that setting. (This is primarily based
on experiences discussing indoor air quality issues with a heterogeneous
population of building occupants.)

However, I am doing a training for our childcare center staff next week.
It's their annual blood borne pathogen training class, but we will clearly
need to discuss the issue you raise as well. This is a setting where I feel
comfortable doing this. This is because, I have a history with the group, I
have some idea of what their questions will be ahead of time, and we will
have time for extended questions and answers.

Thanks for raising this point.

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859

ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu

---
For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional
membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas

---
For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post