Earlier this week, leaked audio of Tom Cruisetearing into crew members on the set of Mission: Impossible 7 for violating COVID-19 safety protocols went viral. According to The Sun, which obtained and released the recording, Cruise was allegedly yelling over two crew members who got too close to each other while looking at a computer monitor on set, violating social distancing guidelines. However, many have since noticed that there's one way Cruise himself may not be following CDC guidelines on the Mission: Impossible set—and it all comes down to his mask of choice. Read on to find out more, and for another update on this scandal, check out Leah Remini Says This Was the Real Reason for Tom Cruise's COVID Rant.
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Tom Cruise has been wearing a mask with valves.
Gennaro Leonardi/ShutterstockIn photos from the Mission: Impossible 7 set from October that have since resurfaced, Cruise is seen wearing a mask that has two valves. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) has long warned against wearing these types of masks. "CDC does not recommend using masks with exhalation valves or vents because this type of mask may not prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to others," they explain on their website. "The hole in the material may allow your respiratory droplets to escape and reach others. Research on the effectiveness of these types of masks is ongoing." A recent study out of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that N95 masks outfitted with a ventilator valve do almost nothing to stop the spread of potentially infectious particles.
On Twitter, people have been blasting Cruise's choice of mask. "If Tom Cruise wants to fuss at people for not following COVID protocols, he shouldn't be wearing a face mask with an exhalation valve. Those type of masks allow him to exhale particles that could infect someone if he were carrying the virus," one person wrote. "Tom Cruise was right to scream at people if they were violating COVID regulations, but he was photographed on set wearing a valve mask that would only protect himself, not others," another user tweeted.
In response to the critiques of Cruise's mask, other users said the valves can be closed on this particular mask and a different person on Twitter said the valves have filters. TMZ claims Cruise's mask is from a brand called Jupiter Gear. According to the manufacturer, the mask is meant to mostly be worn during physical activity, and the valves are designed to "release hot, humid exhaled breath quickly." It does note there are also "active carbon filters isolate dust, pollen, mold, fumes, common airborne irritants, and other non-oil based particles."
So what types of face masks aren't approved by the CDC for protecting against COVID-19? Read on to avoid the most ineffective face coverings. And for another way your mask may not be working, check out Wearing This Mask Could Be Worse Than No Mask at All, Study Says.
Face shields
iStockWhile face shields or goggles can be complementary protection when worn with a mask, the CDC does not recommend using them as a substitute. "Face shields and goggles are primarily used to protect the eyes of the person wearing it. Goggles do not cover the nose and mouth. Face shields have large gaps below and alongside the face, where your respiratory droplets may escape and reach others around you," they explain. "At this time, we do not know how much protection a face shield provides to people around you." And for more on this, check out This Type of Face Mask Isn't Protecting You From COVID, WHO Warns.
Masks that do not fit properly
iStockA mask is only effective if it fits "snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face," explains the CDC. Masks that have "large gaps" or are "too loose or too tight" won't stop respiratory droplets from making their way out or in, the agency points out. And for more regular updates on COVID, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Masks made out of unbreathable fabric
ShutterstockThe CDC warns that masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through, "such as plastic or leather," aren't going to offer the same protection as those made of cloth. And for more advice on masking up right, check out If Your Mask Doesn't Have Three of These, It's Not Really Working.
Knit masks
ShutterstockA knit mask might keep your face warm, but it offers the perfect opportunity for viral particles to make their way in and out. "Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through" are not suggested for use by the CDC. And for more advice from the CDC you'll need to know soon, check out The CDC Is Warning You to Prepare For These COVID Vaccine Side Effects.
One layer masks
Shibinvk / ShutterstockMasks with one layer may be more breathable, but they aren't going to offer the same protection as those with multiple layers. According to the CDC, the most effective face masks have two or three layers. And for another reason your face mask may be useless, check out If Your Face Mask Has One of These, Stop Using It Immediately.
