CDC Warns That Facial Hair Could Make Face Masks And Respirators Useless

As concerns about the coronavirus continue to go up across the U.S., the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warns that face masks and respirators being worn to prevent the spread of the disease probably won't work for men with beards.

The graphic (below) from the CDC shows what types of facial hair should be ok, and those that wouldn't be. The longer the facial hair, the better the chance it interferes with the respirators or masks. Respirators, specifically, need a sealed surface along the face of the wearer to make them effective. KRON says health officials claim hair can prevent the exhalation valve of respirators from working the way they should.

If you have a loved one that has facial hair, do you see him shaving it or making a change to what he has now? Let's hope we never reach the point that we actually have to strongly consider such a move.