A surgical mask , by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes,  or certain aerosol-generating medical procedures . Surgical masks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the often loose fit between the surface of the face mask and the face .
A surgical mask serves as a mechanical barrier that interferes with direct airflow in and out of respiratory orifices (i.e. nose and mouth). Most commonly used surgical masks are designed to only trap respiratory droplets, and therefore do not filter or block fine airborne particles that are smaller than the designed filtration ratings, which may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, unintentional spitting during talking, or certain aerosol-generating medical procedures (e.g. bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy or dental procedures). Surgical masks also cannot provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the often loose fit between the mask edges and the wearer's face, especially when the mask is worn outright incorrectly (e.g. low with the nose and/or mouth exposed) .
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, by design, does
serves as a mechanical barrier that interferes with direct airflow in and out of respiratory orifices (i.e. nose and mouth). Most commonly used surgical masks are designed to only trap respiratory droplets, and therefore do
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very small particles in the air that
fine airborne particles that are smaller than the designed filtration ratings, which
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unintentional spitting during talking,
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.
(e.g. bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy or dental procedures).
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do not
cannot
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surface of the face mask and the face
mask edges and the wearer's face, especially when the mask is worn outright incorrectly (e.g. low with the nose and/or mouth exposed)