While more transmissible COVID strains are circulating, experts have commented on which masks offer the best protection against the virus. For much of the pandemic, people have resigned over the use of thin dust masks or simple homemade face masks, but professionals have become increasingly vocal about the need for nationwide upgrades to the mask. In response to these warnings, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is drafting significantly stricter mask guidelines. Read on to find out what the guidelines entail, and to avoid masks, this one type of face mask is ‘unacceptable’, warns the Mayo Clinic.
CNN got a draft of the first national standard for mask evaluation for consumers. The proposed guidance, which has yet to be finalized, will split masks into two levels. The review process is still ongoing, so the guidelines may change after further consideration.
According to CNN, the document sorts masks into two quality levels. To be considered a level one mask, the product must filter 20 percent particles, which makes the mask breathable but offers limited protection. To be considered a level two mask, which is preferred, the mask requires a “high performance” filtration of at least 50 percent of particles. The machine on level two will breathe less, but offers better protection. And experts say for more mask accompaniment: If you have this mask, get a new one.
These changes come after many experts indicated that mask standards need to be upgraded. Ashish Jha, MD, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, called on the US to sharpen the mask quality. During an January 8 interview with NBC, he discussed how to limit the spread of the new strains and emphasize the use of better masks. “High quality masks are really important, “Jha remarks.” We have not done much to make high quality masks yet – this is something we still have to work on. “
Scott Gottlieb, MD, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), also called for more effective masks in light of the new variants during an interview on January 17 on CBS. “The quality of the masks now really matters,” Gottlieb said. “If you wear a higher quality mask with this new infection, it’s going to be very important.” And sign up for our daily newsletter for more information.
The current guidance on masks is somewhat contradictory. According to CNN, only medical-grade masks, such as N95 masks, and respirators must meet the standards. These types of masks must be regulated, among other things, in fitting and filtration efficiency. The proposed standards will be broader, and more specifically regarding the fit, design and performance of a mask. And the guidelines also contain details on the test requirements that masks must pass.
CNN reported that the concept has requirements for both disposable and reusable masks. The standards prohibit openings, valves or any fittings with which airflow can bypass the filter, with a few exceptions. The CDC warns against using these 6 face masks for more face coverage.
Although these standards would be stricter than current guidelines, they are still far below what other countries have in place. CNN reports that Germany, Austria and France require masks with a minimum filtering efficiency of 80 to 90 percent in public areas. These new mandates abroad came about after local health officials expressed concern about the mask quality they see.
France’s health minister Olivier Veran went on France Inter radio on January 19 to discuss which masks were adequate and which were not. “Craft masks “what you do at home, with the best intentions in the world, taking into account the official advice, does not necessarily provide all the necessary guarantees,” said Veran. The Minister of Health has made it clear that people should opt for more effective masks. ” “All masks that have a filtering force of more than 90 percent are valid – they contain almost all surgical masks for the general public,” he added. And to offer more ways to protect yourself, it can be even safer against COVID if you do it according to your mask.