The size at which you can see smoke is about the same size as “droplets” (about 7 um) which is larger than aerosols never mind individual virus particles!
Note carefully that whatever air is blocked by the mask has to leak through the openings/gaps around the edges or you will suffocate! This is a principle called “static air pressure”.
And have you ever cleaned a screen with a water jet from your garden hose?
Can you say aerosolization?
There are many other unintended consequences of masks as well:
Masks that have some useful degree of impermeability — remember the air just goes in a different direction out the mask edges — also muffle sound. Have you ever found yourself moving closer to another mask wearer so you can hear them better? I know I have! Is that a good thing?
Bandanas with thin material are really completely useless and everyone knows it. Some even wear them because of that. Yet even most Karens say nothing and OSHA is completely absent enforcing the use of “better” masks. This is because if they were publicly rigorous about this the whole charade would collapse and everyone knows it. This is completely toxic to public trust.
Masks are petri dishes if not constantly washed. This is an especially bad situation for children.
The less porous and better sealed masks may shed micro fibers into your lungs especially after long periods.
Masks don’t cover your eyes and there has at least been some transmission claimed for that route. It’s interesting how poorly explored that is.
Add yours here…
UPDATE 210101:
UPDATE 210103: Great thread by Ted Petrou on the unintended consequences of masks.