A search of specific surface areas of some cotton fibers is in the low double digits m² for a gram of cotton fiber. Activated charcoal is 3000 m² per gram. Seems like a nonissue.

-----Original Message-----
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of Kim Jeskie
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 4:56 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Issues with face coverings

Just a curiosity question. We have a research group raising concerns that face coverings could inhibit one's ability to smell, a sense they believe they really need to have in a laboratory setting. I've seen publications disputing concerns around carbon dioxide entrapment and heard plenty of practical comments about being able to smell cologne through the coverings, but I haven't seen anything published on this topic. It sounds like a weak argument to me, but I don't want to simply discount this concern without a good faith effort to find out if there's any real evidence that this is a valid concern. Any thoughts/comments that you would care to share?

Thanks,

Kim

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