Masks...
Up until last week, I knew about 2 basic masks used in the medical profession. The surgical mask and the N95 respirator mask.Surgical masks are designed with a paper filter element, pleated construction and elastic ear loops. Usually in a blue or greenish color, sometimes available in white. Designed to be single use disposable, they are designed to keep your germs from getting to someone else.
N95 masks are a multi-layer white pre-shaped mask with elastic loops, usually in white and usually have a foam strip along the top to seal around the curve of the nose. Often used in construction to filter out dust, some models have a small exhaust vent to make exhalation easier. It's the N95 mask said to filter out coronavirus.
This is the style mask I used when sanding drywall in my home renovation projects. Because if it's effectiveness, it's the N95 mask the health professionals use and have a shortage of.
There are other versions of the N95 including some with a layer of carbon filter. From what I've read, a single N95 respirator can be worn all day.
Yesterday, I found a variant to the N95 as the KN95. From what I've seen, it's shape is different. Instead of the smooth curved appearance, the KN95 can be folded as the parts are somewhat angular. Resistant to water (where the N95 isn't) it is also oil resistant and can be used several times, good for 1 week.
All of these models are manufactured in China, but it's the KN95 I read is not allowed for medical use in America. I haven't found the answer... perhaps it's because it's listed as industrial use and not medical use?
More research is needed.
Comments (30)
The thing is people are contagious before they are aware they have contracted the virus. Each time we breathe, sneeze, or cough microscopic droplets of moisture leave our lungs. Wearing any type of mask prevents those droplets, infected or not, from moving away from that individual.
In Japan and Taiwan, where they had adequate masks when this began, it has all been about preventing the virus moving freely past the mouth and nose in those droplets by having them absorbed in a mask or any type of moisture absorbent article, even a scarf if nothing else is available, which then in turn prevents the possibility of someone else breathing in that contaminated air.
It does, however, require 100% compliance to be of any true and real benefit..
Not to stop you getting infected.
The main reason for this is that people who are not used to wearing masks don't do it correctly and thus end up touching their face more as a result, which is the one thing we are supposed to avoid during this whole epidemic.
I know there is no agreement between experts on this.
I tried a mask one day. I found it awkward and hot, and yes I kept fiddling with it.
Just not coming in close contact with people is easier.
Not to stop you getting infected.
Tell that to the ICU nurses...
That is the big difference.
Of course they give some protection to the wearer, but they give more protection to others if the wearer is infected.
the American government should be proactive and (if not already) do Public Service Announcements (PSA's) for awareness and instruction.
America is now the world leader in coronavirus infections. That's not a status to be proud of. We should all be wearing masks, avoiding social interaction, wearing gloves, disinfecting phones, keyboards, doorknobs and anything we are likely to touch that could be contaminated. Do it as though your life depended on it.
Ditto for other countries.
The material included 130,000 surgical masks, 598,000 medical grade gloves, surgical gowns, disinfectant towels and bottles of hand sanitizer and spray disinfectant.
"Feldheim offered to sell around 1,000 N95 masks and other materials to a New Jersey doctor for $12,000, which federal authorities said was approximately a 700 percent markup over the normal prices. Investigators said Feldheim told the doctor he could pick up the materials at an auto repair shop in Irvington, New Jersey. The doctor told investigators the auto repair shop contained enough materials, including hand sanitizers, antiseptic wipes and surgical supplies, to outfit an entire hospital."
when one country or region gets a big shipment of masks, that means another country or region is not getting them. There's only so many to go around at this time.
Many companies have added workers and are producing products round-the-clock where months ago it was only 40 hours per week production.
I heard (yes, hearsay) one manufacturer is now shipping 10 times the volume as normal.
Also, consider that a few garment manufacturing companies have kept their employees working... they are now making cloth (washable) masks instead clothing!
Win-win for the workers there.
Let healthcare workers have masks...it is that important...if you feel that you need to have a cover for your face...and are not working in a hospital or care centre...a scarf is effective to remind you not to touch your face...a barrier...
Stay home and follow the 2 metre rule when out getting supplies...and wash hands...of course...simple things help...
With all the chemical filters an dust filters etc.
An protective gloves etc....
Chat Man.
You speal all this stuff with work etc.
Yet you don't even own or know about PPE.
I wouldn't want you as my Boss......
When I'm directly involved in construction work, it's proper facemask and eye protection. Now go run along and write a complaint blog about not meeting people on CS then close your profile for 2 weeks. That makes a lot of sense.
NZ even with flaws.....An SO far behind the rest of the planet
Is still so far ahead....
Your married an on a dating site
Now figure that one out
I'm glad my life doesn't evolve around online like it seems yours does. I FEEL sorry you don't spend that time on your WIFE......
If I had a wife......
I sure wouldn't be here..........
I rest my case!