Dust Mask is now recognised by all of us. COVID 19 crisis has incorporated masks as an important part of our life.
Many varieties of masks are available. But are we selecting the right type of mask?
Now a days, we are using dust mask in 2 configurations i.e, disposable and washable/reusable.
Most popular DISPOSABLE MASKS have 2 or more layers to make filtration efficient. FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, N95, N99 etc. are some of the standards of CE & NIOSH for recognising filtration capacity.
Majorly, people are confused with the VALVE assembly provided in some of the disposable masks, assuming the valve as FILTER. These are not filters, but are exhalation valves provided to release hot breathed out air and reduce perspiration so that wearing a mask is comfortable/ergonomic.
Coming to the point, filtration efficiency increases with increasing number of layers and even some carbon filter layers are used. It's fine to have many layers in disposable mask as we generally dispose it off after 1-2 days use.
But making more layers in reusable/washable mask can be harmful. These washable masks are made from cotton or like fabrics. Hence, washable and reusable. It's better to use it for its face covering property and not for extreme filtration or toxic filtration. For filtration efficiency, you need to consider either the thickness of fabric or multiple layers. When we configure multiple layers then some of the particles may penetrate the outer layer and get stuck up on intermediate layer as happens in disposable mask also. Now, when we wash it with detergent then also some of the detergent settles on intermediate layers or inner side of layers. Rinsing out detergent & dust accumulated on inner side of layers or on intermediate layers is not perfect due to screening offered by adjacent layers. When we use such washed mask then, definitely, we are inhaling the micro-particles of detergent & dust. Obviously, this will lead to respiratory problems.
So, if we want to use washable mask then it must be kept in mind that, it should be a single layered mask, so that both the sides are exposed and don't have any adjacent screening and can be washed properly keeping the above mentioned points in mind.
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