Surgical Masks

The influx of many airborne diseases has prompted a lot of people to scamper for cover in the form surgical masks to protect themselves from highly dangerous viral infections. The recent episode was the alarming SARS and Bird flu outbreak in Asia, where hundreds of live with put at risk. However, it doesn’t take a viral disease to reach the epidemic stage to prompt people who are highly susceptible to diseases to wear a surgical mask. In fact, there are a lot of individuals out there who consider surgical masks as part of their daily hygiene.

Studies conducted on different varieties of surgical face masks available in the market have shown that the N-95 respirators are among the most effective type. It has proven to filter 92% of corona viruses and 50% or other airborne virus such as mycobacterium tuberculosis, the notorious carrier of Tuberculosis. In the virus-laden environment, one can never be too sure as to the possibility of inhaling infected particles in the air and probability of triggering a host of life-threatening diseases and toxins present in the air.

The tricky part in looking for effective surgical masks is to find one that closely fits to the face, since it will be practically rendered ineffective in blocking out contaminated air if it is lose-fitting or have unsealed sides. There are also certain guidelines that you need to follow when using surgical masks. These guidelines include thoroughly washing of hands before handling the masks, fit the mask snugly on the face with the metallic strip on the uppermost part, and the user should also make sure that the nose and mouth are fully covered. The important thing to also remember is to properly discard the surgical masks after use. There are some people who think they can actually recycle the masks, but then logical thinking would tell you that this practically defeats the purpose of wearing one. Not because you cannot find any traces of dirt or dust does not mean its filters does not contain traces of bacteria. So the best thing to do is to buy the disposable surgical masks that you can easily use and disposed of after use.

There are a lot of people who are actually confused with the difference between respirators and surgical masks. Although the two have a basically share the same appearance, they have an entirely different functions. Respirators, for example are specifically designed to effectively reduce the exposure to some airborne contaminants such as gases and vapors. It can also be utilized to filter up to 100 microns, such as that with molds ad SARS Virus. Surgical masks, on the other hand are equipped contamination in work areas such as splashes of blood, body fluids and secretions from the mouth and the nose. That is why, instead of merely buying the plain surgical masks often used by health professionals, the N-95 respirators are the more appropriate protection especially in times of epidemic breakouts. However, for everyday use, the surgical mask should fit the bill just fine.

The Food and Drug Administration test the efficacy of surgical masks in the market before it is made available for public use. The tests include particle filtration efficiency, bacterial filtration efficiency, resistance to fluid and flammability. More often than not, people who have sensitive medical conditions and high susceptibility to communicable diseases are required to wear respirators to help ward off bacteria and viruses. However, any person can readily wear it as added protection especially if exposed in an environment that can probably trigger off a number of airborne contaminants that one would naturally want to avoid.

Psychotherapy and Counselling Toronto A directory of Toronto counselling providers and psychotherapy resources. Therapy and Counselling services can be found within Ontario and Canada.

buy anabolic steroids One of the best forms of steroids a person can take. Only buy from trusted and licensed websites. Read about it here!

SmartLipo-hair growth vitamins

Allergy » Personal Care For Allergies » Surgical Masks
 
More Allergy Resources

 


© Copyright 2007 LearnAboutAllergyies.com All Rights Reserved. Home - Contact Us