Is it safe to wash and use face masks?
Face shields, which were in circulation among doctors, nurses and other patients admitted to hospitals for surgery, have become an essential item used by people from all walks of life after the threat of the coronavirus. Only the ‘surgical mask’ for medical use was in use when the coronavirus began to spread. Its price was also high. There was also the condition that it could only be used once. Instead, cloth face shields came into circulation.
The cloth face mask has also received an overwhelming response from the public, as it can be washed and reused after a single use. Many masked wearers use cloth masks. Will the ability to filter out germs be compromised when you wash and reuse them? The question of is not unanswered.
The study was conducted by the University of Colorado, Boulder in the United States. Studies have shown that washing and drying cloth masks does not reduce the ability to filter out virus particles.
Marina Vance, one of the researchers, said: In the early days of the Coronavirus outbreak, we were concerned about the accumulation of surgical masks in the trash. Concerns increased when it was realized that they would severely affect the environment. The face masks are made of cotton cloth and the accumulation of masks in the trash is less, : he says.
Researchers have also found that although cotton fibers begin to shed over time after repeated washing and drying, they do not significantly affect the filtering ability of the fabric.
The study found that cotton cloth face shields filter out very small particles (0.3 microns) of the virus, up to 23 percent. But ordinary fabrics like kerchiefs filter only 9 percent.
Surgical face shields filter out small particles from 42 to 88 percent. When wearing cotton cloth face shields over a surgical face mask, they have almost 40 percent filtration capacity. Face shields like the KN95 and N95 make surprisingly excellent contributions. They filter out 83 to 99 percent of small particles.
Researchers also say that cats need to be included in any precautionary measures against the virus.
Should I wear a face mask when the restrictions are lifted ?: Medical experts answer:
New Delhi:
In the context of the end of the 3rd wave of corona in our country, all the corona restrictions came to an end yesterday.
In this case, the Ministry of Health clarified that you should continue to wear face shields and wash your hands. At the same time, it has been reported that the states of Marathi and Delhi have decided to stop imposing fines on those who do not wear face masks.
Be that as it may, let’s see what medical experts have to say about wearing a face mask.
Dr. D. Jacob John (Toxicologist): -
As the corona infection is over, the use of face mask to reduce its spread is no longer necessary. The time to wear a face mask is over. So there is no longer any justification for saying that wearing this is mandatory.
But it is better to encourage wearing face mask in public places to avoid tuberculosis, fever, virus, respiratory infections, dust etc.
Dr. Ravisekar Jha (Pulmonologist): -
Wearing a face mask is mandatory and should continue. Can't drop it completely right now. We know about the long-lived Govt. So it is best to watch out for infections. Science has proven that only face shields play an important role in preventing infection.
It is true that the vast majority of people are vaccinated. It should be borne in mind that the vaccine does not protect against infection. While the infection is not dangerous, it can keep you vulnerable for months. Face shields play an important role in preventing infection.
Dr. Akshay Bhutraja (Pulmonologist): -
It should not be mandatory for the public to wear a face mask. But it is better to wear a face mask when going to crowd places for the sick and the immunocompromised. People are aware of when to wear a face mask.
Dr. prunes Kumar (Lung Specialist): -
Wearing a mask after vaccination is the 2nd most effective intervention. Our population is high. Wearing a mask is an expensive thing. People will find out the reason for avoiding wearing a mask.
But it can also help prevent problems such as facial scarring, tuberculosis and allergic dust. The public must voluntarily wear a helmet when going outside.
Thus, they are saying.
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