Is there a safe but foul-smelling aerosol that won't penetrate masks?

[nuxvomica]

I ask because of the story below from the front page of my local paper. What if the stores could spray a colorless, safe but foul-smelling, short-lived aerosol that could keep the anti-maskers out of the store? They needn't be sprayed directly but it seems to me that the protection of a mask might also protect against some noxious odors. I really think the anti-masker nonsense has gotten out of hand and non-violent but defensive measures may be necessary.

The Post-Star: In Lake George, mask-wearing is hit or miss among visitors
Chad Arnold -- Aug 15, 2020

LAKE GEORGE — It’s been a stressful summer for Karen Beshara.

Not only has the coronavirus shortened the season for her novelty T-shirt shop on the corner of Canada Street and Beach Road, but crowded sidewalks full of maskless tourists have her considering closing the store earlier than usual.

“We usually stay until Columbus Day, especially weekends, but the plan at the moment is probably around Labor Day to close,” Beshara, who owns Lake George Novelty Co., said.

Beshara said she’s dealt with dozens of customers this summer who simply refuse to wear a mask when entering her store. Some have tried to cough in her face, while others have cursed at her and stormed out.

https://poststar.com/news/local/in-lake-george-mask-wearing-is-hit-or-miss-among-visitors/article_0383aa2c-171e-5e84-b1e3-43d860cb6f88.html

[SheltieLover]

1. Dunno

But I wouldn't bet on the safe part, unless it's an essential oil.

[LisaL]

2. Masks don't really protect against noxious odors.

Especially homemade kind. You need a gas mask for that.

[nuxvomica]

5. I just realized even if the right substance existed...

the anti-maskers who couldn't smell it are probably infected as loss of smell is a common early symptom.

[HotTeaBag]

3. Trump's breath?

.

[ret5hd]

4. A mask turns the sweet sweet perfume...

of trumps farts into the noxious poison that us normal humans experience.

That is my only explanation.

[NightWatcher]

6. Chemical warfare at Target? Nah, pass.

Plus who wants their stuff to come from a store that stinks?

[nuxvomica]

7. Why not patchouli?

Won't that make the store smell too liberal? And, no, I don't consider places like Yankee Candle to be engaging in "chemical warfare".

[KY_EnviroGuy]

8. No. Will not work because odorants are mostly molecular in size.

Far smaller than masks can capture. Only specialized full-face respirator cartridges can do that, or self-contained breathing apparatus.

Even if there was something that could do that, there's potential liability issues over allergic reactions.

Why not just inform people if they don't wear a mask, store merchandise will not be sold to them. Place a large sign at front door and have employees inform anyone without a mask of that policy.


KY........

[nuxvomica]

9. I undertstand but I wish something could be done

And I feel bad for the employees having to deal with these people. The woman in the article can count the few days she doesn't get coughed on or screamed at. What we really need is a president that "strongly and powerfully" tells his followers to wear masks.

[nuxvomica]

10. So I realize from the replies this was a stupid idea

I just got so pissed off at the anti-maskers that I fell into the escalation trap, which is something those people would enjoy. If you go into a store with a masking policy, make sure to thank them for it. It may help them get through their day to know they have allies.

[Iggo]

11. That's asking for trouble.

You spray someone in the face during a verbal encounter, you're the one escalating it, not them.