Wearing a face mask offers many advantages though it’s not used by many. The main advantage of wearing a mask is that it may prevent you from inhaling any pollutant that is a respiratory threat, such as dust, smoke, or microorganisms. If one is sick, wearing a mask can also help to protect others and decrease the spread of illnesses. During the last pandemic wave, masks were made compulsory worldwide, but slowly people discontinued them. But wearing a mask outdoors is always a good practice to protect your face, nasal health, and lungs.
Beside COVID, what are the important factors that make wearing a mask crucial? Let’s discuss.
1. Protects From Poor Air Quality
Wearing a mask helps safeguard your respiratory system and overall health when air quality is poor due to pollution.The Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizes poor air quality as moderate or hazardous. In India, CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) takes initiative for developing a national Air Quality Index (AQI) for Indian cities.The AQI measures levels of the following pollutants according to act and regulation;
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide: Gases released from motor vehicles and industrial processes.
Ground-level ozone: Smog when it reaches the ground ground-level ozone, often known as smog.
Particle pollution from sulphate, nitrate, carbon, and mineral dust compounds.
2. Reduces exposure to allergens
Wearing a mask, especially if you have pollen allergies, can help reduce allergen exposure. A mask that covers your face and nose can help filter out pollen and other irritants. Masks also change the moisture and temperature of the air you breathe in, which helps to reduce allergy symptoms.
3. Prevents You From Getting infected
Infectious diseases can spread by contact with droplets retain the pathogens. Masks protect you from illness by blocking droplets from actions such as breathing, coughing, sneezing, or while speaking.
One research summary reviewed on masks and COVID. According to the study, wearing the mask protected the person to some extent against infectious droplet exposure from others infected with SARS-CoV-2. Face masks provided more protection than not wearing a mask.
4. Protects Immunocompromised
Masks protect immunocompromised people by limiting or preventing their exposure to pathogens that might cause serious illness. These people have weak immune systems. Immune system dysfunction can arise owing to:
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or cancer.
Immunologic disorders, such as HIV.
Immune-suppressive therapies like radiation therapy.
5. Keeps You From Spreading Germs
Keeping yourself safe is important, but it's equally important to ensure that you are not spreading the infection. Just like masks may prevent you from getting sick, they can also prevent you from spreading germs if you're already infected. Avoid going out when sick; if you need to go out, ensure you are masked. Wearing a mask limits the chance that you'll exhale and spread germs into the surrounding air.
How to choose a mask?
A well-fitting mask should not be excessively tight or loose. As shown by a percentage, it will also have a high level of particle and droplet filtration. A high filtration level indicates how well the mask shields you from such specks and drips.
Masks that have received approval from organisations like SITRA and ISO are the most effective. These masks fit closely and typically have filtration rates higher than 95%. Additional facial coverings include fabric masks, disposable masks, and barrier masks.
How to Properly Wear a Mask
To ensure proper consider the below pointers;
To assist the mask suit your face properly, choose one with several layers and, ideally, a nose wire.
Before putting on your face mask, wash your hands.
Examine the mask for any damage, and replace it if any holes or broken parts are present.
Once the mask is in place, make sure it covers your mouth and nose. Additionally, it ought to fit snugly but pleasantly on your face.
Three-ply mask ear loops can also be knotted and tucked.
Masks have been used to defend against COVID and other infectious diseases, but they also have additional benefits. Masks may prevent your allergy symptoms from worsening or protect you from pollution exposure.
ISO and Sitra-certified masks are safer and more effective to wear, but other masks may also be useful, depending on the type. One should wear a mask that fits snugly and comfortably. All healthy children and adults should wear masks when exposed to pollutants, such as traffic or crowds. If you are sick or at danger of becoming very sick, see a healthcare expert to determine whether and when to use a mask.
Comments