According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cdc.gov NIOSH-approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators. There are seven types of particulate filtering facepiece respirators. Although, they are not resistant to oil-based particles, they are 95% effective against airborne particles. The Food and Drug Administration approves NIOSH-approved N95 respirators.
CDC Recommended Face Masks will help to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Comparatively, studies show this airborne illness is spread through contact with respiratory droplets such as fluid from a sneeze, cough, talking, singing, or breathing. Also, the airborne particles can linger in the air for hours. Likewise, particles from an infected individual can move through indoor spaces or entire rooms. In addition, wearing a CDC-recommended face mask can reduce your chances of contracting the illness, furthermore helps reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
CDC Recommended Proper Usage
In fact, the mask should be worn to best protect against SARS-CoV-2. To clarify, be consistent with use, and wear the mask correctly. Before placing Of course, you should adequately sanitize your hands. There are two methods for proper sanitization: first, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cleaning in between the fingers and nails. The second method is the proper use of hand sanitizer. Apply a dime-size amount of hand sanitizer and rub hands together, covering all areas. Once you have your CDC Recommended Face Masks in place, which should fit well. If you have to make adjustments, the mask does not correctly fit and may expose you.
CDC Recommended Face Masks require decontamination and cleaning. Cloth masks should be cleaned daily or after each use. Using hot water and laundry detergent, wash face masks and dry the face masks on high hot heat. The hot settings will kill microbes and bacteria.
When to replace The CDC Recommended Face Masks
If:
- the mask no longer fits properly, if it slides or requires consent adjustments.
- mask no longer covers the mouth and nose.
- damage to the strings or straps.
- fabric has tears or holes in it.
Although, there is not complete protection against the Covid-19 Virus, the use of The CDC Recommended Face Masks acts as a barricade against biological aerosols. If you have an asymptomatic but have the virus, a face mask will help protect others around this individual. Another key point, asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus without knowing. That’s why it is essential to mask up at all times.
Especially, the following steps should be taken to reduce contact transmission after wearing a face mask after extended use.
- During the aerosol-generating procedure, discard N95 respirators.
- Exiting a room with a patient with an infectious disease requiring contact precautions discard N95
- If the N95 is contaminated with blood, discard it.
- If your hands come into contact with the inside of the N95, discard them.
Cleaning N95 masks Methods that the CDC does NOT approve
- Sanitizing wipes
- Bleach
- Ethylene oxide may be toxic to the wearer
- Soapy Water by hand
- Microwave
- Baking
How effective are different material face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?
“They found that the effectiveness of the masks varied widely: a three-layer knitted cotton mask blocked an average of 26.5 percent of particles in the chamber, while a washed, two-layer woven nylon mask with a filter insert and metal nose bridge blocked 79 percent of particles on average.”
When to wear The CDC Recommended Face Masks
- Individuals who are 13 years and up who are not fully vaccinated and children two to twelve who are not eligible for the vaccination.
- If you attend a large group event and the Covid 19 positive numbers have increased in that area, and if there is a low number of individuals who have not been vaccinated.
- If you have an underlined medical condition, such as lung disease, or if you have a weakened immune system. Although you may be fully vaccinated, you can still contract the Delta variant.
- If you ride a bus, train, plane, any form of public transportation, it is best to mask up. Begin in tight quarters with so many others you need the extra protection of The CDC Recommended Face Masks.
The Do’s and Don’ts in choosing The CDC Recommended Face Masks
| A mask that is snug to your face, with no gaps or open areas. | Mask made from material that makes it difficult to breathe, such as vinyl. |
| It completely covers your mouth and nose. | Mask that has vents or valves that can allow virus particles to enter or escape. |
| Made of washable, breathable multi-layer material. | Children two and under should not wear a mask. |
| Check with the manufacturers on the size and fit for children. |
Storage for The CDC Recommended Face Masks wet or dirty.
To emphasize, place your mask in a zip lock bag and seal it up for masks that have gotten wet from sweat or dirty from the exposure. In this case, wash messy masks as soon as possible. In particular, there will be a risk of mold. Markedly, wet masks are more challenging to breathe in; change to avoid difficulty breathing.
Storage for The CDC Recommended Face Masks reuse without washing. Carefully take your mask off with clean hands. Specifically, make sure not to touch it on the inside. Next, store in a brown folded paper bag. Then, when ready to reuse, start with clean hands and carefully place the mask securely on your face. The chin, mouth, and nose need to be covered with no gaps.
Cases & Data www.cdc.gov
Cases in US Last 30 Days
Total Cases in the US
44,518,018
Total Vaccines Administered
404,371,247
Deaths in US Last 30 Days
Total Deaths in the US
716,370
Recommended Face Masks by the CDC are a significant line of defense in reducing the number of people infected by Covid-19. Be mindful when attending events and riding public transportation. Wearing a mask will help you protect yourself and others during the pandemic of course
