The SARS-CoV 2 virus infection occurs through the respiratory tract, the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and also through the eyes, therefore the helmet does not protect us. A mask that meets the standards is also necessary, told PAP Prof. Ernest Kuchar from the Medical University of Warsaw.
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Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced on Wednesday that from Saturday, the whole country’s mouth and nose will only have to be covered with a mask. It will not be possible to use scarves, chimneys, headscarves, bandanas and helmets. The helmets can be used additionally with a mask. The ministry explained that all types of masks are allowed – including fabric masks, but surgical masks and higher ones, i.e. with filters, are recommended.
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«The mask is a kind of filter, but – it can be directional when we use valves. It can only protect the one who wears it, or both sides – the wearer and the environment »- noted prof. Ernest Kuchar.
He explained that the masks used in health care and when working in dusty conditions meet strict requirements.
«Their type depends on what percentage of particles below 0,6 micrometers (µm, one thousandth of a millimeter – PAP) in diameter they retain. The second issue is how and how much air enters and exits through the side mask, which is known as an internal leak ”.
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He said there are three types of face mask classes FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.
He explained that the surgical mask was designed to protect the surgical site against contamination by the secretions of the surgeon’s airway mucosa.
«This mask is virtually impervious to anything on the part of the surgeon, but does not have to perfectly protect against the external environment. It stops at least 80 percent. particles when breathing, and internal leakage must be less than 25%. One quarter of the air goes sideways, and four fifths (80% of droplets, particles below 0,6 µm) are retained. In the case of a sick person, it is enough to put on this type of mask and it ceases to be a threat to the environment »- said the professor.
He explained that the second type of FFP2 (N95) mask, true to its name, retains 95 percent moleculesand the internal leakage is less than 10%. The highest quality FFP3 masks, i.e. hepatic, stop over 99 percent. particles, and internal leakage is below 5%.
He emphasized that the better the mask, the more difficult it is to breathe in it, e.g. a person using FFP3 will not stay in it for a long time.
“Breathing in it will be tiring” – noted prof. Cook. He noted that people using these masks, e.g. at construction sites, usually have a valve through which air can be exhaled. If we use them in this way, then it protects only us, and not the environment.
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Prof. Ernest Kuchar said SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection occurs through the respiratory tract and eyes.
“Therefore complete protection of a person is to wear a mask and a visor or goggles at the same time, and not – as was practiced – the helmet itself. The experience of recent months has shown that its size has begun to shrink even further, making any protection illusory. Meanwhile, people had a false feeling that they were wearing something, and this little plastic did not protect them in any way »- said the professor.
When asked about the effectiveness of wearing material masks, he explained that no one knows to what extent they protect, because they have not been tested.
“It all depends on the density of the weaving and the fibers used,” he said. He noted that he was informed that a mask made of three layers of dense polyester fabric corresponds roughly to a surgical mask.
He indicated that z the disposable mask can be used up to 4 hours.because when it gets wet, it becomes more and more impervious, so more and more air passes sideways and should be thrown away.
He said the masks are kind of a substitute for distance.
«We know that in the case of coronaviruses, standing at a distance of more than 2 meters means that the droplets of secretion from the respiratory tract do not reach the other person. Therefore, wearing a surgical mask is considered to be the equivalent of two meters of distance. Of course, nothing will reach us, but it will reach us so little that it does not lead to infection »- he explained.
He emphasized that due to the new variants of the virus, our caution should be increased.
«They are more contagious, which means that fewer particles are needed to become infected. In connection with what previously secured us, now it may turn out to be insufficient »- assessed prof. Cook.
Author: Magdalena Gronek
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