We identified 6 clinical studies (3 RCTs, 1 cohort study and 2 case–control studies) and 23 surrogate exposure studies. In the meta-analysis of the clinical studies, we found no significant difference between N95 respirators and surgical masks in associated risk of (a) laboratory-confirmed respiratory infection
We included 15 randomised trials investigating the effect of masks (14 trials) in healthcare workers and the general population and of quarantine (1 trial). We found no trials testing eye protection. Compared to no masks there was no reduction of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases (Risk Ratio 0.93, 95%CI 0.83 to 1.05) or influenza (Risk Ratio 0.84, 95%CI 0.61-1.17) for masks in the general population, nor in healthcare workers (Risk Ratio 0.37, 95%CI 0.05 to 2.50). There was no difference between surgical masks and N95 respirators: for ILI (Risk Ratio 0.83, 95%CI 0.63 to 1.08), for influenza (Risk Ratio 1.02, 95%CI 0.73 to 1.43).
(There are loads more, but this one explains why masks don't work):
The faceseal leakage was found to represent the main
pathway for the submicrometer particles penetrating into the
respirator/mask. Thus, we believe that the priority in product
development should be given to establishing a better fit that
would eliminate or minimize the faceseal leakage.
Essentially, if you aren't wearing a full face seal, gloves, and a filtration unit, masks don't work.
I won't be responding to comments to this because I have other things to do. I imagine the people disputing more than a decade's worth of research observing the ineffectiveness of masks against respiratory pathogens will likely default to sophistry or cherrypicking for prevarication purposes, at which point it's just a waste of everybody's time.
Findings:
More corroboration over the years (dating back a decade)
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.18.21257385v1.full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19216002/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15340662/
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/face-masks-to-prevent-transmission-of-influenza-virus-a-systematic-%20review/64D368496EBDE0AFCC6639CCC9D8BC05
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/188/8/567
Findings:
A few more:
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/65/11/1934/4068747?login=false
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779801/
Findings:
Findings:
(There are loads more, but this one explains why masks don't work):
Essentially, if you aren't wearing a full face seal, gloves, and a filtration unit, masks don't work.
I won't be responding to comments to this because I have other things to do. I imagine the people disputing more than a decade's worth of research observing the ineffectiveness of masks against respiratory pathogens will likely default to sophistry or cherrypicking for prevarication purposes, at which point it's just a waste of everybody's time.