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Video: What masks protect against coronavirus
2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00
Not everyone believes that masks can help during a pandemic, nevertheless, protective equipment continues to be actively bought up. Due to the current epidemiological situation, it is important to know which masks protect against coronavirus, and what level of protection it is preferable to choose. Photos and characteristics will be discussed below.
Classification of medical masks and their degree of protection
Medical masks are an exceptional means of personal protection of the face and respiratory system from all kinds of small particles. They are mainly used to prevent infection with viruses and bacteria that are transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets.
As a result of many studies, it has been found that a mask works more productively if it is worn by an already infected person in order not to infect others.
To understand which masks protect against coronavirus, you should consider their types, as well as what level of protection each of them can provide.
Conventional medical masks
These masks are a disposable non-woven bandage. Nowadays, it is difficult to find them in pharmacies and shops. Usually, if they are in stock, they are overpriced.
Disposable masks allow you to touch your face with dirty hands as little as possible, but they cannot protect against coronavirus, as they do not fit snugly. They should be worn only if the infection has already been confirmed, so that no one else can become infected.
After two hours, a regular mask becomes wet, which leads to the multiplication of viruses and bacteria in it. It needs to be changed regularly, at least once every 2 hours, and also not to touch it with your hands.
The degree of protection of such a mask is low. It is about protecting against harmful substances, dirty air and bacteria, but not viruses.
Anatomical masks
A more effective and suitable option for use as personal protection is an anatomical mask. The airway is well protected thanks to the shape of the mask. If a person is already infected, the anatomical type of mask minimizes the spread of pathogens in the air.
One of the differences between such a mask and a disposable one is the type of attachment. It is put on the head with ear loops, and not with elastic bands like a medical mask.
The degree of protection of an atomic mask is higher than that of a conventional one, on average by 20-30%. This only applies to protection against harmful substances, dirty air and bacteria.
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Respirators
They can partially protect a person if others are sick. It is not customary to use them in everyday life, as well as in rooms with a large crowd of people in order to protect against infections.
They are classified into three classes:
- FFP1 - the degree of protection is at least 30% higher than that of any medical masks.
- FFP2 - medium degree of protection.
- FFP3 - high degree of protection.
To determine the grade of a respirator, you should look at the brand indicated on it. Often, “marking 1” has a yellow or white valve, “marking 2” has a blue valve and rubber bands, and “marking 3” has rubber bands and a red valve. If the respirator is not labeled, then it should be used as FFP1.
Respirators can also protect against harmful substances, air pollution, bacteria. There is no data on the effectiveness of wearing during an epidemic, since respirators are not tested for this indicator.
According to the World Health Organization, disposable masks can limit the spread of respiratory viral infections, which include ARVI, influenza, and COVID-19 coronavirus. Despite this, WHO experts, as well as Russian epidemiologists, note that the mask has a low degree of protection.
Summarize
- Conventional disposable masks have a low level of protection against viruses. The anatomical mask is more effective, but also does not guarantee 100% protection.
- Respirators are more effective in protecting against bacteria, pollution and other substances, which are divided into three classes - FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 (from less to more effective).
- There is no guarantee that masks or respirators will prevent infection, but WHO approves the practice of wearing them.
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