“Containing” tuberculosis, perpetuating stigma: the materiality of N95 respirator masks

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of the N95 respirator mask distributed by state-funded treatment programmes to patients who are undergoing treatment for different forms of tuberculosis (TB). Although mask-wearing protocol aims to physically “contain” TB, and thus stem the airborne spread of disease, this paper looks at the other properties N95 masks possess as social and material objects. Drawing upon ethnographic research undertaken in Khayelitsha — the largest township in Cape Town, South Africa — the materiality of the masks provides insight into patient behaviour towards mask wearing and stigma. Using the theoretical construct of “containment,” I show that N95 masks contain far more than just TB bacilli, saliva and warm breath. Data evidenced different notions of containment associated with masks, and mask wearing produced unintended effects that had significant consequences for TB patients outside of clinical spaces. By capturing the unintended social properties of these masks, this paper lends valuable insight not only into global health efforts to prevent TB but also into the often significant implications for TB-affected individuals.