Posted On: 2022-02-02 15:06:59
The past couple of years have been full of changes, most of them were difficult to accept and adjust to while some were gradual and easy to adapt to. The Corona Virus has turned all of our lives upside-down. We saw some unprecedented changes in our appearances as well, didn't we? Like wearing PPE kits and face masks! Before this pandemic, we have seen only doctors and those experts wearing masks while practising their respective jobs. But all of us had to and are still wearing face masks every single day now.
Earlier, it was difficult to accept that face masks are mandatory to wear when around people in order to save ourselves and others from the virus. Soon everyone got used to it because there were no other options. Although everyone did get used to wearing masks all day every day, we are still confused about which masks and what kind of masks suit best. Well, certain things are self-explanatory about masks, if you are comfortable with that mask just go with it. But do we know all our masks completely? There are many aspects to using masks every day. When to wear masks, how to store them, how long to use one, and so on.
Let us learn more about the masks we wear every day.
Face masks with other preventive measures like frequently washing hands, social distancing,and getting fully vaccinated can help slow the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease. New emerging variants of the virus have made it necessary to wear masks in public even for fully vaccinated people; though fully vaccinated people can avoid wearing a mask at large open places by choice, but again, why would we want to act careless and let another wave of the virus hit us BY CHOICE?
When outdoors, around people.
When an individual is at increased risk for severe illness, for instance, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
When working at a job where interaction with large numbers of the public takes place.
When physical distancing is not possible or when in crowded indoor or outdoor public settings.
When riding on planes, buses, trains, or other forms of public transportation.
There are a variety of masks that have different characteristics to them.
Surgical Masks: Also known as medical masks, these are loose-fitting disposable masks. These prevent droplets and sprays that may contain germs. It also filters large particles in the air that the wearer could breathe in without wearing one.
N95 Masks: N95 masks are the most preferable ones. These are a type of respirators that protect against the virus better than any other masks. They filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. However, researchers are testing ways to disinfect and reuse them. Some N95 masks have valves that make them easier to breathe through. Unfortunately, these don't filter the air and for this reason, they've been banned in some places.
KN95 Masks: KN95 masks are similar to N95 masks, which meet certain international standards. They filter both large and small air particles and are a prefered type of respirator.
Cloth Masks: Cloth masks act as a barrier to protect the wearer from inhaling droplets released by others. They tend to trap respiratory droplets that are released when the wearer talks, sneezes or coughs. The most effective cloth masks are made of multiple layers of tightly-woven fabric like cotton. A cloth mask with layers will stop more droplets from getting through your mask or escaping from it.
While selecting the perfect mask for your face, follow these Dos and Don'ts to get a proper fit:
Select a mask that completely covers your mouth, nose and chin.
Fits snugly against the sides of your face and doesn't have gaps.
If you are going for a cloth mask, pick one that has more than one layer.
Look for a mask that has nose wire, it helps fit on the nose better.
Choose a fabric that blocks light when held up to a bright light source.
Do not choose a mask that is made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for instance, vinyl.
Do not pick masks if they have exhalation valves, vents, or other openings.
Say no to those that have gaps around the sides of the face or nose.
Do not pick a mask that is single-layered fabric or made of thin fabric that doesn’t block light.
Now that the question of choosing the right mask is out of the way, let us know more about storing & your masks and discarding them.
Most face masks are disposable and are for one-time use only. Face masks should not be used once they are soiled or the inner lining gets moist. Rarely they can be sterilized for limited reuse. If you want to reuse the mask, it should be kept dry so that it can last long.
Cloth masks: Can be washed with tap water and soap or detergent thoroughly and can be reused.
Surgical mask – If it’s dry and the layers and shape are intact, put it in a zip lock pouch.
Respirators like N95 or KN95: Leave a used mask in the dry atmosphere for 3-4 days to dry it out. Polypropylene in N95 is hydrophobic and contains zero moisture. When not using the respirator, store it in a closed plastic container. Washing respirators, or trying to sanitize it with alcohol will degrade it and make it less effective.
In general use of Respirators like N95 masks should be limited to about two or three days. With every breath in an N95, particles accumulate on the mask. That could make it more difficult to breathe if the mask has trapped a lot of particles.
Experts advise using the cloth and surgical masks for 4 to 8 hours.
Masks need to be disposed of correctly as different germs can survive on a used mask for different durations. While taking out the mask do not put it under the chin so that germs there will not attach to the mask. Never put on a new mask until you have properly washed your hands. Do not leave used masks on any surface as this will be a source of infection. It should be properly stored so that it can be reused.
Cloth mask (Wash): Should be washed properly and frequently and left to hang and air dry. When the cloth mask is worn out, has gaps and spaces; wash the mask and discard it.
Surgical Masks: After taking the mask off, fold it half inwards, such that droplets from the mouth and nose are not exposed. Then, fold the mask into another half, until it looks like a roll. Wrap the mask in a tissue paper or polythene bag and immediately discard it.
N95 KN95 Respirators: When removing these respirators, hold the edge of the straps attached to take off the N95 mask. Don’t touch the inside part of the respirator. Wash hands before and after it. Gently remove the mask so as not to disseminate contaminants on the mask. Place the mask in a plastic bag or zip-lock bag. You can also store them in a breathable container such as a paper bag between uses. Secure the bag tightly. Place the plastic bag into a garbage can or biomedical waste disposal unit.
Masks and their Impact on the Environment
In recent months, when the pandemic surged, disposable masks that had not been disposed of correctly have been turning up in cities around the world. Environmentalists have warned that this residue is a threat to human life, marine life and wildlife habitats. Even more concerning is that in addition to pollution, this waste may increase the spread of the new coronavirus. It is our responsibility, that we treat our used masks as medical waste and dispose them off correctly.
The virus affects everyone equally. It does not discriminate nor does it spare anyone. Hence, taking preventive measures is necessary. Understanding the seriousness of the circumstances, Filaantro distributed masks and other preventive measures to various frontline workers and underprivileged children who could not afford them.
The world is gripped with the fear of coronavirus and face masks are a very important component to save us from catching an infection. Using a mask is necessary and the correct use and disposal of them are even more important. The next time you buy a mask or have to discard it, remember the above-mentioned things for better usage.
Stay safe and Mask UP!
Author: Anjali Patel
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