Prague The so-called nanotowders, which boast high efficiency in detecting viruses or bacteria, have become a domestic hit. The proof is the enormous interest, increased by hundreds of percent. It often reports that it is sold out, so it remains only to wait until the warehouses are full again.
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However, the success of a nanofiber mouthpiece or respirator is also fueled by a number of fraudsters. They deceive customers and offer something under the nano banner that the nanofiber has not seen even from the express train. How not to sit on the glue?
“The customer should look exclusively for Czech manufacturers. We collected them on the Nanospace portal, we have four there. We guarantee quality for them, “said Jiří Kůs, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Association of the Nanotechnology Industry of the Czech Republic, to the Lidovky.cz server.
The price can also be a guide. “A high price is sometimes an indication that it is a hoax. The normal price should be from 40 to 70 crowns per piece, “he added. The price of a quality nanotowder is thus comparable, or even lower than a fabric one, which, according to Kůs, is disadvantageous.
“You will find that what protects you from only a tiny percentage is more expensive than nanofiber drapes. Somewhere you will come across a veil for even 300 crowns, that is hyenism, “he emphasized.
Common surgical drapes vs. nanorouches
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The advantage of the mouthpiece made of nanofibers is, in particular, that it protects against the penetration of viruses in both directions – not only the surroundings of the user of the veils, but also their wearers.
Roman Prymula, the government’s commissioner for science and research in healthcare, also relies on the nanosilver, while Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) uses the nanorespirator.
The material from which both protections are made can contain up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses. They differ only in lifespan. The nanotowels can be used again – after thorough disinfection – for several days in a row. The nanorespirator lasts even two to three weeks. The price is also different: a nanoroucher can be purchased for about fifty crowns, a respirator is five times more expensive.
Moisture does not harm
Nanofibers are super-thin “threads” a thousand times thinner than hair. With the help of production technologies, they are formed into a membrane, which forms a dense network. This prevents the penetration of small particles. Nano-veils are made of such a material, but also respirators and filters for classic fabric pocket drapes.
In the usual medical drape, the main retaining layer is the meltblown nonwoven fabric. During production, it is electrostatically charged, which increases its efficiency in capturing contaminants from the user of the drape to his surroundings.
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However, the electrostatics are discharged by moisture, so the user of a conventional medical veil reduces the effectiveness of his protection with his moist breath after a few tens of minutes.
It is similar when storing medical drapes. Normal moisture in warehouses discharges electrostatics from them, and during storage, conventional medical devices lose their effectiveness over time.
Nanotowers do not have a problem with reducing efficiency due to moisture. Although they also contain non-woven meltblown fabric, which filters out coarse dust, the finest impurities, including viruses, are filtered out by the nanofiber membrane.
“They work on a mechanical principle: the network is so dense that it mechanically prevents the penetration of particles,” Jan Buk, director of the nanotechnology company Pardam, told the Lidovky.cz server.
Doubtful imports from Asia
In addition, the Association of the Nanotechnology Industry of the Czech Republic also guarantees the products of the Czech companies Nanotex, Nano Medical and Spur. According to the head of the association, they have the required certification and quality guarantee.
“What comes here from Asia can also boast certificates, but it’s very doubtful. They can print what they want there, nobody watches over it, “Kůs pointed out.
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In addition to nanoroses and respirators, there is another, more economical variant in the form of a nanofilter. It can be inserted into a textile drape, either in a warehouse or in a pocket – depending on what it has. Thanks to this, the veil protects not only the wearer’s surroundings, but also himself.
The minimum efficiency of the offered filters is 81 percent, the maximum corresponds to the level of FFP2 respirator. The life of the filter varies by manufacturer, but it is in the order of weeks. The price does not exceed 35 crowns.
Nanofibers also contain antiviral scarves that have an effectiveness of about 95 to 99.9 percent. They are attached to the face in the manner of a bandit. The scarf needs to be washed once in a while. However, the purchase price is higher: it costs up to 800 crowns. Nevertheless, they are often sold out.
The daily sale of nano-protective aids amounts to thousands. “In one day, orders for protective equipment made of nanomaterials were ten times higher than in the summer,” Kůs said.
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