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Cost: $1 for a candle, cost of your cloth mask

If you are unsure if your cloth mask provides an adequate level of filtration, try this simple hack using just a candle:

• Wear your mask properly so that it covers your face from the bridge of the nose to the chin

• Light a candle and place it on a flat surface

• Try to blow out the flame while wearing the mask

  • If you are unable to blow the flame out, your mask is adequate

  • If you are able to blow out the flame, your mask isn’t providing enough resistance to airflow

    • This means the mask doesn’t provide enough filtration to prevent virus particles from passing through it

    • Discard it and find a mask that fits properly

    • Masks with 2–3 layers of cloth are recommended