Are N-95 Masks creating a pathway for coronavirus to attack humans?

Anand (a2a)
Aug 31, 2020
3 min read

WHY FACEMASKS?

A face mask is worn over the face to prevent ourself from breathing contaminated air & spreading germs.

DURING THE COVID-19 PERIOD MASKS ARE MANDATORY.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises wearing a face mask to protect you and others from the spreading of coronavirus.

DO FACE MASKS REALLY PREVENT VIRUSES FROM ENTERING INTO HUMAN?

The facemasks having pores in it. There are few types of face masks available each of them having different sizes of pores similarly the size of the virus exceeds the pore size of the mask then it eliminated from entering into humans.

Note:- Respirators have different mechanisms for filtration.

Commonly the pores measured in microns.

Microns- 1 millionth of a meter.

TYPES OF MASK?

1)FABRIC MASK (such as cloth masks)

· It must be a multi-layered one.

· The borders are stritched tightly.

· The cloth masks are washed and changed frequently.

2)SURGICAL MASKS

Here, They are two types:

single-use mask

This is use & throw type masks. They last about less than 2 hours after the moistures can be formed in the inner layer of the mask. The surface easily gets wetted by our breath. This type of masks is not recommended while taking care of infected patients.

Multi-time use mask

It is Loose in fitting so, it leaks around the edges. It may be effective in blocking particle droplets, sprays which may contain germs,

keeping them from reaching mouth and nose – does not block small particles in the air that may be transmitted by nearby coughing or sneezing. It is reusable up to 2 days but we can handle this care while removing it.

3)RESPIRATOR MASKS

(These type of masks available with respiratory valve & without respiratory valve)

These types of masks lasts a long time & they are reusable one. When comparing to other types of masks this is a little bit costlier & worthwhile using.

Here, some important manufacturers of these masks are listed below.

N series mask

The N series mask is available in 3 Levels, they are N-95, N-99, N-100. It used to protect the wearer from airborne particles. The difference between these levels of respirator is simply the filter efficiency level.

The higher efficiency filters more particulates but simultaneously hard to breathe.

It is approved by the US standard.

KN series mask

The KN series masks are similar to N series masks. The specifications are almost the same but one process is different.

In the below sections we can see about differences between them.

FFP series mask

They are called Filtering Face Piece (FFP). It also has 3 Levels. they are FFP-1, FF-2, FFP-3.

They are also similar to N series masks & KN series masks.

It is approved by the Europe standard.

SPECIFICATIONS OF VARIOUS MASKS:

1) FABRIC MASK

Its filtration level depends upon the number of layers &type of material used

2) SURGICAL MASK

If you wearing continuously more than 60 minutes the inner layer of the mask gets wet due to our breathing air. Then it reduces the effectiveness of the filtration. It is similar to the N95 mask when comparing its filtering effectiveness but, it is not reusable.

The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) rates 3 levels in surgical masks.

3) RESPIRATOR MASKS

N-type vs KN type

· Both are almost same in specifications

· The KN95 is approved by the Chinese government and N95 is approved by the USA government.

· They Chinese govt. requires the manufacturer to run the mask fit test on Humans but, the USA govt. Doesn’t require requires the manufacturer to run the mask fit test on Humans.

· Both are availed in with valve & without valve.

Finally, let's get into our question!