The difference between medical masks and dust masks. Can dust masks prevent viruses?

With the outbreak of coronavirus pneumonia, medical masks are no longer available in many places. Some people have no choice but to buy dust masks. So, what is the difference between professional medical masks and dust masks?

The difference between medical masks and dust masks

1. Medical masks

are mostly made of one or more layers of non-woven fabrics and are mainly produced Processes include melt-blown, spunbond, hot air or needle punching, etc. It has the functions of resisting liquids, filtering particles and bacteria, and is a medical protective textile.

2. Dust masks

are essential protective equipment for workers who are engaged in and exposed to dust. Mainly used in operating environments containing low concentrations of harmful gases and vapors and operating environments that generate dust. The toxin cartridge contains only adsorbent or sorbent. Some poison filter boxes are also equipped with a filter layer, which can prevent aerosols at the same time. Some military gas masks are mainly made of activated carbon cloth, or water-resistant and oil-resistant fabric as the outer layer, glass fiber filter material as the inner layer, and activated carbon-impregnated polyurethane foam as the bottom layer, which can provide temporary protection in the event of a sudden poisonous gas attack. protection.

Can dust-proof masks prevent viruses?

Dust-proof masks mainly prevent dust, and have average anti-bacterial and anti-virus effects, but they are better than nothing and can be dealt with.

Viruses usually do not exist alone in the air, but adhere to particles such as droplets, dust, and dander. The filtration mechanism of KN95 and N95 masks uses the high-performance filter layer in the mask to remove these particles. Block fine particles and build a protective barrier.

Where to buy medical masks

Cosmetic stores (such as Watsons) and grocery stores will also have them. It can be purchased in pharmacies and clinics. It is recommended to purchase it in regular hospitals or pharmacies.

The effectiveness of medical protective masks is 4 hours of continuous use. Medical protective masks are suitable for wearing during diagnosis and treatment activities when coming into contact with patients with respiratory tract infections that are airborne or droplet-borne at close range.

What types of medical masks are there

1. Ordinary medical masks

Advantages: It can block or protect particles or aerosols other than pathogenic microorganisms, such as Pollen etc.

Disadvantages: It cannot achieve the filtration efficiency of particles and bacteria, cannot effectively prevent the invasion of pathogens through the respiratory tract, and cannot protect particles, bacteria and viruses.

2. Medical surgical masks (recommended)

Advantages: similar in appearance to medical disposable masks, and must comply with the YY0469-2004 "Technical Requirements for Medical Surgical Masks" standard: with certain Respiratory protection performance can block most bacteria and some viruses, and the filtration efficiency against bacteria reaches more than 95%, which can reduce the risk of cross-infection to a certain extent.

Disadvantages: The effect of blocking pathogens is stronger than ordinary medical masks, but slightly worse than medical protective masks.

3. Medical protective mask (recommended)

Advantages: It can filter particles in the air, block droplets, blood, body fluids, secretions, etc., and can block most Bacteria, viruses and other pathogens can effectively prevent viral infections in the air.

Summary: It is suitable for public places, densely populated places, or closed spaces such as hospitals and offices, and has a protective effect against airborne respiratory infectious diseases.

4. N95 mask (can be used)

Advantages: A mask that can effectively filter PM2.5 particles. The mask has strong airtightness and can block the invisible killer in the air - fog. Haze, viruses, bacteria, dust mites, pollen and other tiny particles.

Summary: It is suitable for haze weather or more professional places. However, due to its strong airtightness, improper wearing may cause difficulty in breathing. Patients with cardiovascular diseases and other diseases should choose carefully.