Charlotte, NC based-Custom Apparel Source owner, Mariellen Auer weighs in on what you need to know about face masks that will change the way you dispose of and take care of your masks.
I wanted to share some very valid points about using disposable masks and reusable washable face masks that the article below states. As you all know we make and sell N95 cloth style masks where the N95 filter is sewn into the ENTIRE face mask. You can order stock fabric or I can make custom designed ones. These masks are the best masks on the market because of the fabric we use for the entire mask and the N95 filter inside. Plus we are approved by the FDA for our style masks. when I see someone wearing a cotton mask or I can see them breathe in and out you know that mask is basically worthless. And then when you do throw away your masks and this also means the surgical ones…these masks not only create pollution but also increase the risk of the spread of new strains of Coronavirus.
Different Kinds of Masks and Their Usage
There are available all sorts of masks for the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic. While surgical masks and N95 respirators are specialized masks for the use of healthcare personnel, the common public is mostly using masks made of cloth. Healthcare providers coming in contact with patients suffering from respiratory diseases are at a higher risk of catching this dreaded virus than common people. It is only N95 masks that can be reused but with the condition of replacing the filters after some time and use. Both the surgical masks and the masks made of cloth need to be disposed of safely after use in public once.
Impact of Casual Use of Face Masks
Disposable face masks cannot be thrown casually anywhere after use. According to health experts, human beings are at a very high risk of catching the dreaded virus because of disposable masks thrown away carelessly here and there. It is medical; waste that needs to be taken care of safely and scientifically. In recent times, waste disposal squads around the globe have found large numbers of disposable face masks casually thrown away by users on beaches and other public places. These masks not only create pollution but also increase the risk of the spread of new strains of Coronavirus. They also pose danger to marine life on a massive scale.
Surgical masks are tied at the back of the head with the help of strings. Care should be taken to touch only the strings when taking them off. Do not touch your face or nose when wearing a surgical mask. Safely throw the mask in a garbage can without touching your body parts when taking the mask off your face. This should be done to prevent any kind of virus from coming in contact with your skin. Experts say that one should take off his mask carefully after coming back to his home. He or she should either throw away the used mask in the garbage can or wash it properly. This is necessary for the safety of everyone in the home as Coronavirus can remain alive on the surface of the mask for many hours. It is only by washing it in a detergent and then drying it in the air that makes disposable masks safe for reuse.