Relative size of particles - photo

[schuylergrace]

Masks aren't used to stop the virus, itself, but to stop respiratory particles, and they do that not only by acting as a physical sieve, but also an electrostatic filter that attracts the particles. But even if they weren't filtering out the problem particles (as they aren't when the mask isn't worn properly), they still slow the particles down, limiting the distance they spread. Also, smoke smell molecules are much smaller than the smoke particles that convey them over distances and can penetrate things you can't breathe through. The virus can't live outside its little spittle home, so it doesn't just drift off like smoke scent molecules do.