The year 2020 got hit by a strong wave of coronavirus pandemic, causing acute respiratory problems in infected patients. As the outbreak crossed from China to overseas, it caused a severe global socioeconomic disruption. Many events were canceled in light of the current situation and the death toll increased as people remained oblivious to being infected.
Pandemic is acting as a domino effect, one infected person comes in contact with other person and therefore unknowingly transfer the virus to the next person and so on, hence the reason behind how rapidly it spread.
Governments that made testing the public are only able to cover only 1% population till now. As of till 14th April 2020, the death toll had reached an estimated 119,000 deaths although several accurate death rates are still underestimation especially in countries like Brazil, Iran, China, North Korea, Russia, U.K, and the U.S. despite the lockdowns and social distancing.
WHO (World Health Organization) had publicized precautionary steps to be taken seriously that includes;
- Washing hands thoroughly
- Disinfecting household items, groceries anything that you take from outside, even your car.
- Keeping a sanitizer at hand (and avoid going near the fire as it contains alcohol)
- Wearing protective face masks
All you need to learn about the face masks
For protection using a face mask is imperative. Now the question arises which type of face mask to use? As the panic set in, people started using surgical masks on their own accord, but these surgical masks are disposable, easy to fit around the mouth but are not a permanent solution as after some time they will become useless if damaged somehow.
Surgical mass vary in thickness and material it is made from. According to the quality of properties of the mask, its use also varies. Therefore whichever face mask is available can be used to protect patients, healthcare personnel and other individuals.
Importance of N95 Respirators
The reason why these face masks are in hot demand is its protective equipment that protects the wearer against the airborne particles or from any liquid.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), N95 respirators are now the most effective face masks. But these are not for public use. Healthcare workers; doctors, nurses and other staff are in desperate need of these masks because they are in constant contact with germs and viruses. Due to critical supplies, the public is advised against using N95 respirators. Instead, they can use surgical masks and are strictly advised to stay at homes practicing social distancing.
With a close facial fit, N95 respirator is by far the most effective mask in blocking airborne particles and is said to at least keep 95% of these airborne particles at bay.
Using an N95 respirator doesn't mean you are above the risk of illness, it’s still a mask and if damaged, needs to be disposed of properly. Please note that any of the face masks are not to be reused or shared as it is labeled for single-use only.
Is KN95 similar to the N95 facemask?
According to newly issued guidance by FDA, a KN95 respirator can be used if it compliances with certain requirements.
Many ask if it is the same in function to N95 mask or not, but many are skeptical about using it because some minor differences are quite prominent when you use KN95 respirators. Due to these differences, initially FDA resigned to allow using these masks stating it is not suitable for public health and safety.
Where N95 masks are worth the gold standard, KN95 lacks the proper elemental properties in comparison. Without FDA approval hospitals refused to use these masks despite a shortage of supplies for N95 masks.
Being manufactured in China, KN95 helped the home country to fight against the coronavirus.
So what issues are faced while using KN95 masks? At large scale, these masks were tested and discovered to be too porous and didn't work enough to protect the wearer from any airborne particles, even a shipment to the Netherlands, raised questions over the quality of these masks.
The reason behind this havoc is the concern due to lack of proper certification, proper documentation, lab results and thus without any lab approval. There fly by night factories may have produced thousands of face masks but the quality has been more than questionable.
But is it safe to use KN95 respirators?
In case of short supply for N95 masks, threatening overuse of a single mask has put hospitals on the hot seat. Despite the lack of enthusiasm for having to order KN95, some accepted the gratitude to use KN95 (something is better than nothing) and some still turned the donations down due to lack of approval by the FDA.
The conflict between governments is confusing regarding the suitable type of face mask to use. However, in comparison, N95 is better in use (for healthcare and medical workers) as compared to KN95.
To recall the differences, both N95 and KN95 almost come with similar filtration efficiency but each country has a different aspect to test these respirators. For instance, the N95 mask is certified by the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Healthy whereas KN95 is tested and certified according to China criteria.
Some other face mask options are available also, If you want a clear comparison of different face mask then it goes like this;
- N100 (99.97%)
- FFP3 (99.95%)
- N95 (95%) = KN95 (95%)
- FFP2 (94%)
- KF94 (94%)
- KN90 (90%).
Conclusion:
The significance to use a face mask cannot be overlooked.
The more masks available for use, the greater chance medical workers will have of fighting against the disease and also be able to provide medical services without a worry for themselves. Many government officials are opinionated over which type of face masks to use and are also advising the public to improvise in tough conditions. Some even suggest that you can use a breathable cloth to make a face mask at home.
Conditions may worsen, so it is imperative to not waste any readily available supply, and the public is advised to take serious precautions. Let's stay safe!
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