During the pandemic many people have chosen cloth masks so that they can be washed and reused, thus avoiding the disposable ones and the related waste that are produced. However, several studies and tests are instilling a doubt: can surgical masks also be washed and reused?
According to current regulations and guidelines, surgical masks should be eliminated after 4 hours of use, but several scientists have carried out tests that instead show that their filtering capacity is resistant even after several washes in the washing machine.
A confirmation now comes from a French test, conducted by the consumer magazine What to choose.
The experiment was carried out on 3 models of surgical masks purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies. The protocol required to verify the good breathability (respiratory resistance according to ISO 9237) and filtration efficiency (resistance to the penetration of particles greater than 3 µm) of the 3 new masks and after 10 washes at 60 ° C. After each wash , the masks were tumble dried and then ironed at the lowest setting on the iron.
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In detail, two of the masks useful in the experiment were real surgical masks, which following the EN 14683 standard were classified as type 1, ie they ensure a bacterial filtration efficiency of 95%. The third, on the other hand, purchased at the pharmacy, did not claim to be more than a “comfort mask” but looked to all intents and purposes a surgical mask.
The results showed that, despite being theoretically disposable, all 3 masks, even after numerous washes, retain excellent filtration capabilities.
In the end, in fact, even after washing, they proved to be well above the minimum requirements of the fabric masks with the official Afnor / DGA filtration guarantee that the French consumer magazine has taken as a reference.
When new, the masks blocked more than 98% of particles larger than 3 µm while after 10 washes, and as many delicate drying and ironing, their filtration capabilities were kept at a level sufficient for general public use (therefore non-medical): 100% for one of the surgical masks, 90% for the second and 98% for the “comfort” mask.
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Furthermore, even after washing, the masks remained breathable enough so that they could be worn for several hours without creating too many discomfort. In reality, only one of the two surgeries did not meet the breathability requirements of the new or post-washed fabric masks, but came close enough to still guarantee comfortable use during normal activities. The other two models were well above the minimum required.
The fasteners also remained intact, and despite a slight felting, the surgical masks showed they could be washed like the fabric masks.
The results of this test therefore confirm what other researchers had already hypothesized. Contrary to official instructions, reuse of surgical masks for non-medical use is therefore possible without compromising performance, even after washing.
Source: What to choose
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The article incorporates published studies and recommendations from international institutions and / or experts. We make no claims in the medical-scientific field and we report the facts as they are. The sources are indicated at the end of each article
