Is your cloth mask goodenough??Let＊s find out!
The last two years havewreaked havoc globally. Just when we thought that life was getting back tonormal, the new variant hit us hard.
Having survived twoyears of ups and downs, countless variants and a tough fight to stay healthy,we face the ultimate question 每 are all masks equally effective?
Experts don＊t think so.
Let＊s start byunderstanding the difference between cloth masks, surgical masks andrespirators.
A cloth mask is one of the simplest types of face-covering andoffers a basic level of protection.?Theyusually have a loose-fitting. Asurgical mask, on the other hand, is a 3-ply mask used by medical personnelduring procedures.
N95 respirators, themost recommended masks, are personal protective equipment that protects thewearer from airborne particles and aerosols from entering the respiratorysystem.
Studies from theNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have found that asurgical mask blocked 59% of respiratory aerosols from a cough, whereas a three-layercotton mask blocked 51% of these aerosols, compared to an N95 mask whichblocked up to 95% of the aerosols.?
It may sound a bittechnical, but here＊s what makes the difference - the N95/FFP2 S ranks as ahigh barrier to transmission of flu, infection, and air-borne viruses.Rigorously tested for several transmission conditions, N95/FFP2 S masks usuallyuse five layers with electrostatically charged melt-blown filters that provideadequate protection from airborne particulates aerosols as small as 0.3 micron.
This means that it hasthe power to filter out most bacterial, viral and particulate aerosols. Suchmasks are designed to give the optimum fit which means that any leakage fromthe side of the mask is also minimized.
Masks with valvesallow air to leave the mask without filtering it 每 which means that the viruscan spread from an infected (even asymptomatic) person to others. So, for thesafety of others it is better to use a mask without a valve.
Recent findings ofthe United States-based American Conference of Governmental IndustrialHygienists (ACGIH) shows that the N95 mask gives fifty-five times longerprotection from transmission of infection between two people wearing N95 masks correctly as compared totwo people wearing cloth masks. ACGIH is focused on occupational andenvironmental health and safety in industries.
The advanced constructof a good quality FFP2 S mask-like Savlon which is comparable to an N95 mask,has a splash-resistant outer layer, sweat or moisture resistant inner layer andone or more electrostatically charged melt-blown filter layers. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing on quality performance andefficacy as prescribed in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Correct Way Of Wearing A Mask!
Not below the nose. Notbelow the chin.
Your mask should coveryour nose and mouth completely.
If you are wearing theN95 mask, double masking should be avoided. Instead, opt for the FFP2 S Mask that uses an advanced five-layer filtration system with electrostaticallycharged melt-blown filters with enhances its filtering ability.
1.??????A BIS approved FFP2 S mask has theISI mark, a CM/L (license) number, brand name/TM and clear call-out of theclassification e.g. FFP2 S
2.?????? ANIOSH approved N95 will have the logo or acronym in bold, a TC (testing &certification approval number), manufacturers name.
3.??????Moreover, NIOSH only approveshead-band masks (the ones where the loops go behind the head rather than theears).
4.??????Check for misspellings. When itcomes to fake products, brand names and ingredients are often misspelt toescape persecution
5.??????Check for things like expiry date,changes in any design, usage instructions for kids among other things
6.??????Masks that are decorated or printedare counterfeits and can pose a threat to your safety
With the right maskingand hygiene techniques, we are ready to power through 2022. What about you?