Coronavirus and masks, which ones to use and how?
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18 March 2020
Air pollution and the spread of Covid-19, scientific studies
23 March 2020
Coronavirus and masks, which ones to use and how? Is it possible to reuse them after an outing, or a work shift? The indications of the WHO (World Health Organization) and other health institutions, updated in the light of the most recent scientific studies.
Masks and respirators, such as
The masks of fabric and TNT ('non-woven fabric') - even if 'surgical' - have the general function of limiting the spread of the infection. But they offer a minimal barrier, not enough to protect the person from the risk of contracting the virus.
The respirators type N95, on the other hand, are the only ones able to protect the individual from the risk of contracting respiratory infections (for further details see note 1). Provided you use them correctly, of course.
Masks for everyone?
WHO recommends the use of masks only in specific conditions (eg cough, fever and breathing difficulties). (2) Scientific evidence however shows that Covid-19 can be transmitted even before symptoms appear, or even in the presence of symptoms. (1)
'The scientific evidence suggests that COVID-19 can be transmitted before the onset of symptoms. Community contagion could be reduced if everyone, including people who have been infected but who are asymptomatic and contagious, wear masks. ' (3)
It is essential the use of respirators at least by those who, despite the lockdown, is forced into contact with other people. In particular when you are not always able to respect the minimum distance of 1 meter.
WHO should use masks or respirators?
The most fragile people over-65, immune-compromised and suffering from other pathologies (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, etc.) - they should always wear N95, FFP2 or FFP3 type respirators when they go outside the home. To minimize the risk of infection which, in the presence of such frailties, can have serious consequences.
'Vulnerable sections of the population, like older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, should [always, ed] wear masks if available '. (3)
Personal protective equipment, essential hygiene measures
Frequent and thorough hand washing as seen - and the interpersonal safety distance are the first essential measures to be adopted to protect people from viral infection.
All protective devices individual (PPE) - masks, respirators, gloves, gowns - must be used with extreme care, as they themselves can become vectors of viruses. And so:
- never touch eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes before washing your hands thoroughly,
- always wash your hands after touching the devices and in any case after using them,
- dispose of the devices in closed containers after use, subject to the exceptional hypotheses referred to below,
- if you don't have it of spare devices, after using them, sanitize them before re-use (following the procedures indicated in note 4).
HOW to use masks and respirators?
▶ To wear correctly the mask (or respirator, same procedure) you must:
- adjust the mask on the face with the metal strip at the top, placing it on the nasal septum,
- fasten the rubber bands around the ears, or tie the laces behind the head),
- cover well nose, mouth and chin.
▶ After wearing the mask:
- never touch the inner part (in contact with the face),
- if you touch it the front (outside), wash your hands with an alcohol-based cleaner or soap and water.
- if the mask wet or damp, replace it immediately with a dry one (or wait for it to dry before using it).
▶ To remove the bezel, grasp the rubber bands (or laces). Avoid touching the front if possible, which could be infected.
▶ After using the mask:
- throw it in a closed container (save for the exceptional hypothesis of its sanitization in view of reuse),
- cleanse hands well with hydroalcoholic solution or with soap and water.
# everything will be fine, #Let's stay at home!
Dario Dongo and Martina Novelli
Note
(1) Masks and respirators, in-depth study on https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/sicurezza/covid-19-e-mascherine-l-abc
(2) How to use the masks, WHO recommendations,
(3) Shuo Feng, Chen Shen, Nan Xia, Wei Song et al. (2020). Rational use of face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lancet - Respiratory medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30134-X
(4) How to sanitize masks and respirators after use, when spare parts are not available, see https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/mascherine-sanificazione-e-riutilizzo-procedura-stabilimento-chimico-farmaceutico-militare
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
