does not leave, thus our intake of CO 2 increases which is dangerous and can even cause
death. So the type of mask used in a particular surroundingis very important.
95: It means that the mask has 95% efficiency. Itis tested with smoke whose particle size is 0.3
micron. Then particles passing through the mask arecalculated. A mask with 95 rating means
that it has blocked 95% of the particle. Similarly,a mask with 99 rating means it has blocked
99% of particles from entering. There are masks withratings as high as 99.7% which are used
when there are very dangerous particles in the air.
0.3 microns: Most masks are made to filter out particlesizes greater than 0.3 microns. Almost
all particles like dust, smoke, and droplets are greaterthan 0.3 microns.
Material: The material used in the making of masksis an electrostatic non-woven
polypropylene fibre.
Valve: It is not very easy to breathe while wearinga mask. Some masks come with an
exhalation valve. The valve reduces exhalation resistance.It contains a material that is a
one-sided filter, meaning the exhaled air will leavethe valve easily, but outside air will get filtered
while entering. There were debates about these valvesrecently as if a person is infected then
the virus can spread from this valve. So an infectedperson should not use a mask with a valve.
It is crucial to wear masks, actually a correct varietyof mask to protect yourself.
Also, people reuse masks. They wash it and use itagain. This should be strictly avoided; not all
masks are reusable. Knowledge about mask use and disposalis essential. Also, even though
the government has told everyone to wear an N95 mask,people still wear surgical masks
because it is cheap. Let us look at some of the reasonswhy surgical masks should not be used
in this pandemic time.
Surgical masks are a three-layer mask consisting ofnon woven fabric and a middle layer of
melt-blown that acts as a filter. They are cheaperthan N95, but they have a loose-fitting and
don't seal the wearer face completely. They protectfrom bodily fluids but not from small airborne
particles. Small particles can leak through the sidesbecause of the loose-fitting. This is the
reason they are not an alternative to N95 masks inthis COVID time. Coronavirus is a very small
particle; thus, it is advised to wear an N95 maskfor protection rather than a surgical mask.