Like many of Nye’s household experiments, this one is also easily recreated. The scientist (wearing his signature bow tie) simply uses a lit taper candle and tries to blow it out while wearing different types of coverings. He starts with a winter scarf, which, he points out, is meant to block cold air from reaching your neck. However, the weave is too open for it to be a useful barrier to respiratory droplets. He can easily blow out the candle while holding it over his nose and mouth. Next, Nye uses a homemade, double-layer cotton face mask with a pipe cleaner insert that allows it to fit snugly over the bridge of the nose. Blowing as hard as he can, just inches from the flame, the scientist is unable to blow it out. Finally, he tries to blow out the candle again while wearing an N95 mask. Try as he might, the flame won’t extinguish. The same is true of a disposable surgical mask. Basically, the experiment proves that you have many options when it comes to face coverings, and that, as long as the covering isn’t too loose-fitting or not woven tightly enough, it’s much better than not wearing one at all. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “The reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect you, sure. But the main reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect me from you, and the particles from your respiratory system from getting into my respiratory system,” Nye says, to conclude the lesson. “Everybody, this is a matter literally of life and death.” And when I use the word ’literally,’ I mean literally: a matter of life and death. So when you’re out in public, please wear a mask." And for another helpful tip, here’s The One Face Mask Hack You’re Not Doing But Should Be.
