Face masks aren't a sure bet against swine flu

Though sales have increased worldwide, the coverings weren't designed to protect wearers from an airborne virus. Health officials say their value is limited, at best.

By Shari Roan and Rong-Gong Lin II
May 1, 2009

Don't count on those disposable masks to protect you against swine flu.

Residents of Mexico City, as well as travelers to and from Los Angeles, have turned to mouth and nose protection of one type or another in recent days in an attempt to stop errant airborne viruses from entering their respiratory tract.

3M, a major producer of face masks and respirators, said that worldwide sales have increased significantly, and some Los Angeles pharmacies have reported selling out of masks. In the drugstore at Tokyo's Narita International Airport on Monday, mask sales were up 30%. Even recent 99 Cents Only Stores ads touted the devices' potential to "Prevent the flu!"

Get the whole story on >>> face mask <<< and how safe they really are.