Masks!!! Masks!!!

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Novel Coronavirus disease /COVID- 19 turned out to be one of the most discussed and debated topics of the year 2020 among the general public. Owing to its high morbidity, mortality cum fast spread, novel coronavirus continues to be the burning issue of the year and the years to come. Though the relative mortality rate associated with these coronaviruses is less compared to similar strains causing SARS, MERS…, the ability to spread fast across continents, affect immune-compromised and old makes it a pandemic.

The best way to get rid of this deadly situation and to slow down the disease transmission is by creating awareness among the public regarding the transmission of the disease and by implementing measures like social distancing, hand sanitation, avoiding surface contamination, and adjunct use of face masks. As the mode of transmission of this disease occurs through droplets of saliva/nasal discharge, respiratory etiquette (coughing into a flexed elbow, use of handkerchiefs, facemasks) should be followed wherever it’s necessary.  Though facemasks can’t be considered as an absolute replacement for social distancing, hand sanitation, cloth masks to an extent will help prevent the spread of droplets that the wearer is emitting.  As effective vaccines for treating the disease have not been developed until the date only preventive strategies and symptomatic treatment continue on the lead. This blog article provides the reader with an overall idea regarding the types, availability, selection, and use of these facemasks.

When and how to use a mask?

Facemasks should be used in circumstances where we want to avoid either transmission of infection to others or to protect ourselves from those who are infected.  While coughing/ sneezing if you are not equipped with a facemask use either handkerchiefs, paper napkins, or into the flexed elbow to the least.

  • Before putting on the mask, make sure that your hands are thoroughly cleaned. You can use alcohol-based sanitizer or normal soap and water for cleaning.
  • Your face should be thoroughly cleaned with face scrub before wearing the mask 
  • Cover mouth and nose and tie the straps over the ears so that they remain snuggly fit and assure no gaps between your face and mask
  • Once it’s worn, avoid repeated touching of the mask while using, if at all you are touching to make sure your hands are clean.
  • Soiled/damp masks should be replaced at the earliest and single-use facemasks should be disposed or discarded in a closed bin
  • Removal of the mask should be performed from behind (don’t touch the front surface), and hands made clean using soap and water/ alcohol-based hand scrubs.

Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has outlined five criteria that should be followed while wearing a face mask/ cloth face covering. They must

  • Snugly fit against the face
  • Secured with ties/ear loops
  • Include multiple layers of fabric
  • Allow breathing without restriction
  • Washable without damage/ shape change

Face masks are available as cloth masks/ surgical masks/ respirators

Single-use paper masks / reusable Cloth masks:


The efficiency or the level to which it can prevent the transmission of the virus is questionable or rather unclear, people prefer paper/cloth masks due to its affordability and easy availability. They can filter out solid particles like silica, dirt, etc. and can be worn for activities like sweeping, gardening, dusting… As per a recent study conducted on the effectiveness of these masks, a dual-layered and heavyweight cotton mask with a thread count of 180 or more was found to be effective to a certain extent in preventing its spread.  A major drawback of these types of face coverings is that it can give a false sense of security among the public and they are not approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Surgical mask

Surgical masks are FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved personal protective Equipment with inner and outer fluid-resistant polypropylene layers that provide protection to large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily fluids and are normally used by medical professionals.

Disposable particulate Respirators/ N95 masks 

Respirators are advanced types of adjunct personal protective equipment that snugly fits half of the face including nose and mouth.  They have inbuilt cartridges, filters, or canisters that filter out particulate matter like dust, airborne pathogens, etc. as well as give protection against breathing unwanted chemical fumes, gases, etc. for those who are dealing with potentially dangerous chemicals, lead paint, sanding, woodworking, etc. Choosing the right respirator based on your requirement is therefore of utmost importance because they are expensive.

Disposable and reusable types of respirators are available in the market. Disposable respirators/N95 masks protect against particles like dust, pollen, airborne pathogens whereas reusable respirators protect against harmful vapours too.

Respirators are rated by NIOSH, which is a division of CDC. The ratings for gas mask filters are as follows:

R Ratings are oil-resistant.

  • R95: Filters at least 95% of airborne particles

N Ratings are not oil-resistant.

  • N95: Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
  • N99: Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
  • N100: Filters at least 99.7% of airborne particles

 P Ratings are oil proof.

  • P95: Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
  • P99: Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
  • P100: Filters at least 99.7% of airborne particles

N95 masks are specially designed to filter out 95% of airborne particles like dust, pollen, pathogens, and liquid contaminating the face. They are approved by NIOSH as they effectively block out particulates down to 0.3 microns, but won’t give protection against oil-based particulate matter. Since the availability is scarce and the cost is high, its use is strictly restricted to medical professionals in close contact with the patients.

Though the use of these masks can limit the spread of droplets from the nose/mouth, while coughing or sneezing, it can’t entirely replace the protection offered by hand washing regimen, social distancing, and self-discipline.  Anyhow the effects of corona will be there for the years to come, we must prepare our mind to defend it both physically and psychologically and by adhering strictly to rules and regulations directed by our government and medical fraternity.

 

 

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