Identify the effectiveness, standardization, and ratings of a mask

Wearing a mask is no more a rule but has become an accessory. Today, we are not discussing fashion trends but are more concerned about the general masses who are not aware of the technical jargon used in medical history concerning masks. All we know is the letter N stands for non-resistant and P stands for being oil resistant. But other than that the common masses do not know anything about it. On the other hand, people are highly indulged in buying N95 masks online. Well, this is a good practice. But knowing a little more will do more good than harm.

mask

 
Let’s start:

Before we start with the technical jargon, we will get on with the classification of disposable masks.

There are three types:
  • Surgical masks
  • Respirators
  • Single-use face masks
How effective these above-mentioned masks are?
A single-used face mask is made using one layer of protection and is capable of capturing large-sized dust particles
A surgical mask can capture virus-sized particles and can easily vary by country or region of place
Respirators are capable of capturing more than 90% of virus-sized particles.

Country-wise Standardization:

For each type of mask, each nation has its certification standard. For instance, China utilises the YY 0469 standard for surgical masks while Europe uses EN 14683. Each standard differs slightly from country to country, although they are all generally the same. China utilises the KN standard (such as KN95) for respirator masks, while the US uses the N standard.

So, technically people who buy N95 masks online are following US standardized masks.

Single Use Face Masks VS. Surgical Masks VS. Respirators

Most people have the notion that single-used face masks and surgical masks are the same. However, these are not. The standardization for the single-used face mask is lower than that required for the surgical. Most importantly, we would like to say that most respirators (KN95 are non-consistent) are subjected to a high level of standardization.

Ratings

The ratings encompass the filtration level, which is what matters most to us. These are the requirements for masks. They outline the guidelines and evaluation procedures that businesses should use to assess their masks. The aforementioned N95, FFP1, and FFP2 ratings are described by these standards. You might think of it this way, using the example of a movie rating: the individuals who evaluate films and determine the right movie classification must have a set of guidelines to determine whether the film is PG-13 or R. They will adhere to these guidelines to rate the movie. The guidelines for masks are contained in these standards.

Less known masks

1. PM 2.5 Masks: PM2.5 refers to “particulate matter” or a fancy way of saying “pollution particles” that are in the air. The 2.5 indicates that these particles are 2.5 microns in size or less.

2. FFP2 Masks: FFP2 adheres to the European EN 149 standard. While N95 must filter at least 95% of airborne particles, FFP2 must filter at least 94% of them.

3. Medical Grade Purifiers: Better-than-HEPA filtration is available on hospital-grade air purifiers to produce the healthiest indoor air quality possible. Standard domestic air purifiers can't compete with the extra filtration that these air cleaners have. Use commercial air purifiers in waiting rooms, offices, clinics, and other spaces that require the cleanest possible indoor air.

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