The world is facing the threat of the Coronavirus pandemic for more than a year now. It has caused the death of nearly 2 million individuals and economic hardships for countless people worldwide. Cure of this dreaded virus is still some time away in the form of a vaccine. Till then, it is only through prevention that human beings can stay away from this virus.
Besides social distancing and washing hands frequently, wearing masks is the most effective way of avoiding Coronavirus. However, some people try to reuse their masks and face an increased risk of catching this dreadful virus. This article aims to teach people what face masks they need to throw away after use to keep Coronavirus away.
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 N 95 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. You can shop n95 masks but you need to use them carefully according to the directions given for their 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 and hang-dry for later use. 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.