Can surgical masks expire? [WE EXPLAIN]
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You can find the expiry date on the packaging of the surgical masks. Does this mean that the mask becomes useless or harmful to health after this date? Doubts are dispelled by two institutions – the FDA and the CDC.

  1. Surgical masks have an expiry date
  2. After this date, the masks partially lose their properties
  3. The CDC reports that even after the expiration date, surgical masks can protect against viruses. At least to some extent
  4. You can find more such stories on the Onet homepage.

Surgical mask expiration date

The disposable mask consists of a filter, an antibacterial coating and special fibers. When not in use, and before the expiry date stated by the manufacturer, all of these elements help keep viruses from entering the mouth and nose of the person wearing the mask. Individual components, such as the filter, will degrade over time.

  1. See also: What are the types of protective masks? [WE EXPLAIN]

Therefore, the mask whose expiry date has expired on the packaging is no longer a full-fledged protection measure. However, this does not mean that it is completely useless.

Can expired masks be used?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that expired disposable masks can still provide protection for those who wear them. However, this is not as high a level of safety as the use of wholesome products. However, the FDA recommends that you do not use masks that are damaged in some way.

The same is the case with the N95 masks that the CDC has looked at. They can still be used after the date stated on the package, but the user should first make sure that all mask components such as the filter, edges and tapes are not damaged.

Both the FDA and CDC emphasize that when access to wholesome masks may be limited, use those that are past their expiry date.

Masks in Poland. Government Recommendations

From February 27, new rules for covering the mouth and nose are in force in Poland due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Helmets, chimneys, scarves and scarves were removed from the list of acceptable covers.

All kinds of masks are allowed in our country, as long as they cover the mouth and nose. This means that you can still use cotton masks.

– Masks that tightly cover the mouth and nose are able to reduce the transmission of pathogens by up to 90 percent. – explained prof. Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz. The expert also emphasized that each type of mask is a form of protection against infection.

“The face masks recommended are surgical masks and above,” said the national national epidemiology consultant. Paradowska-Stankiewicz emphasized that the most important thing is proper wearing, i.e. covering the nose and mouth. Importantly, all types of masks are allowed.

Currently, all masks are allowed in Poland. Surgical masks are recommended by the Medical Council, as well as more specialized masks, e.g. with filters.

At Medonet Market, you can order reusable protective masks from a Polish manufacturer that filter particles at the level of over 97%.

Also read:

  1. Do you store the mask in the car? See how effective it is. For your own good
  2. Which masks are allowed and which are forbidden? [WE EXPLAIN]
  3. Mycosis as a possible consequence of wearing masks? The doctor explains what the truth is [WE EXPLAIN]
  4. The doctor advises how to breathe with a mask
  5. Why are soap and warm water effective against the coronavirus?

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