More info on new virus-killing masks

[intrepidity]

As posted by TexasTowelie over in the Indiana group:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10501500

This sounds really exciting. Links below to the company (Vomaris) website, and the research paper (not yet peer reviewed) describing the work.

https://vomaris.com/vomaris-seeking-expedited-fda-approval-for-new-virus-killing-face-mask/

VOMARIS SEEKING EXPEDITED FDA APPROVAL FOR NEW VIRUS-KILLING FACE MASK
TEMPE, ARIZONA – APRIL 14, 2020
Research shows viruses are killed by exposure to Vomaris Bioelectric V.Dox™ Technology

Vomaris Innovations, Inc., headquartered in Tempe, AZ, announced today that significant research findings confirmed viruses are killed upon exposure to the company’s bioelectric V.Dox™ Technology platform. Vomaris has begun applying their technology to manufacture prototype face masks that can be worn alone or inside an existing face mask with the intention of killing viruses and reducing the risk of viral and bacterial spread. Currently, most face masks have no ability to kill viruses or bacteria. Vomaris said more data will be released in the coming weeks.

https://chemrxiv.org/articles/Electroceutical_Fabric_Lowers_Zeta_Potential_and_Eradicates_Coronavirus_Infectivity_upon_Contact/12307214

Electroceutical Fabric Lowers Zeta Potential and Eradicates Coronavirus Infectivity upon Contact

[tanyev]

1. Cool. Could be a game changer for health care workers, if it works.

Hope so.

[RAB910]

2. Background in public health, engineering, and medicine

This sounds more like a gimmick than an actual solution. First off, a virus isn't "alive" so you can't "kill" it. Secondly, virus particles on masks aren't a major source of infection. Third, the press release sounds more like a promotion of its other products than the one they are claiming as a breakthrough

[Duppers]

16. Substitute the word "kill" with destroy

Wouldn't that work?

I've read that soap, Lysol, hand sanitizers kill the virus when they should've said destroys the virus.

[DeminPennswoods]

3. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

nt

[Towlie]

8. That press release is dated April 14, 2020, 2-1/2 months ago. I smell snake oil.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

4. Hope

It's affordable when it comes out. Hope it's reusable too.

[marie999]

5. Even if true,

it will only protect people who wear masks. It would help the first responders and some civilians, but the people we see videos of at the beach and bars won't use them. I guess anything that works should be tried.

[flying_wahini]

6. Probably just some copper woven into the fabric.

[HotTeaBag]

7. You know, I have to believe that at least some percentage of the folks

who are contracting the virus at this point are dutifully wearing masks.

As we don't really know as much as we'd like about it's transmission, I have to wonder if people are getting it via their eyes.

Not to say that masks aren't helpful but if we can get it by doing everything right save for wearing some kind of eye protection then we're more screwed than we thought.

Just pondering.

[Horse with no Name]

11. Our hospital had 25 new employee cases this last week

We were all mandated to start wearing eye wear last week.

[HotTeaBag]

15. The unknowns are the scariest thing about it's transmission - granted few of us 'civilians'

have access to proper PPE, but we do the best with what we have and follow social distancing protocols and still manage to become infected. Quite a few of the new cases are just idiots not take any precautions whatsoever, but I've been doing everything possible to avoid it and I still might get it as we simply don't know enough about it.

It surprises me that it took this long for your hospital (not just yours, but perhaps many others as well) to realize that the eyes are an excellent target for 'ingestion'.

If healthcare facilities are only now coming around to this realization then a lot of us are simply doomed - especially in light of our national response only kind of recommending the use of masks rather than mandating their use.

[wnylib]

12. It is possible to get it through the eyes.

The only way to protect from eye transmission is to wear goggles that seal off the eyes.

But, cloth masks aren't sealed, either. They can reduce the number of virus particles that get into the body, but they don't give complete protection.

So eyeglasses, especially safety glasses with side shields, can give some limited protection in addition to masks.

The amount of virus and length of time exposed are important in whether or not you get infected. So a combination of behaviors can reduce likelihood of infection, but not totally prevent it. Wear a mask, wear glasses, avoid prolonged exposure by avoiding long periods in enclosed spaces with other people. Be careful about air-conditioned places, where circulation can spread the virus. Don't go out among other people more than necessary. Wash hands often. Don't touch your mouth, nose, or eyes unless you have just washed yiur hands. Be careful of how many surfaces you touch, especially ones touched by a lot of people. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

No guarantees of complete protection unless we live in HAZMAT suits. We can only hope to reduce the amount of exposure.

[LeftInTX]

14. If these are lay people wearing masks in public, there isn't a protocol.

When you work in a hospital, there are certain protocols for wearing masks. You dispose of the mask every time you leave a patient's room. You also only handle it by the the ties or ear piece. I rarely wore a mask for more than a few minutes. (I worked in pediatrics...where we had a contagious respiratory infection, so it was in and out...not critically ill) In surgery, you have to wear the mask sometimes for hours.

When you are out in the public, it's next to impossible to follow these types of protocol.

And yes you can get it from your eyes. But I think in most cases, the mask isn't fitting properly or people are touching their masks etc etc..can't throw the mask away every time they leave a store etc....Or they have difficulty breathing and pull the mask down. People can't understand a word of what I'm saying when I wear a cloth mask.

Our culture is just not set up for mask wearing. It does cut down on transmission, but avoiding people with Covid altogether is the best way to prevent Covid. Social distance and space is the second best way. Masks are lower on the list.

[Mersky]

9. It's like a bug zapper for your face.

Interesting. Maybe it’ll work?

[FreddyWhite]

10. Be careful

People are selling all sorts of masks and products that aren't backed up by science or research. this one smells fishy! my cat agrees!

[RAB910]

17. exactly

[live love laugh]

13. But will it kill you too? Probably. nt