Which one should you choose? Compare “hygienic masks” to wear to protect against PM 2.5 dust and COVID-19.

Compare efficiency Many types of “hygienic masks” Which type can protect against PM 2.5 dust and COVID-19?

Thailand has continuously faced PM 2.5 dust. which is expected to The PM 2.5 dust situation in 2024 is likely to be severe due to the El Niño phenomenon. Affecting the amount of rain that is less than normal This causes dry weather, forest fires and toxic dust levels to come faster than usual. Currently, in the Bangkok and surrounding areas, there are reports of PM 2.5 dust levels exceeding the standard at a level that is beginning to affect health in many areas.

At the same time, there is information from Dr. Manoon Leechawengwong Specialist in respiratory diseases Vichaiyut Hospital Vichaiyut Hospital has revealed information on tracking respiratory infections caused by the COVID-19 virus. As of November 2023, 545 people were found infected with the COVID virus, continuing to increase. Back to overtaking influenza

From this situation, it can be seen that “Face masks” are still necessary and very important in protecting against COVID-19 and PM 2.5 dust, but there are many types of face masks. Therefore, we must choose appropriately and correctly as follows.

: Prevent COVID-19 But cannot protect against PM 2.5 dust.

Medical Masks (Medical Masks or Surgical Masks) are considered very popular masks during the COVID-19 outbreak. Can prevent spray droplets and can be used medically in the operating room Cannot be reused

For instructions on how to use, place the dark side in front. To prevent droplets from outside from entering inside. Can prevent COVID-19 But cannot protect against PM 2.5 dust.

: Prevent COVID-19 But cannot protect against PM 2.5 dust.

A cloth mask is a sanitary mask that is sewn similar to a normal sanitary mask. Can be washed and reused. Can prevent dust, mucus, saliva from coughing or sneezing. But cannot filter very small germs such as PM 2.5 dust.

According to information from the Department of Medical Sciences and the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health Summary of the results of the study of the most appropriate type of fabric for use in making face masks. is muslin cotton Because it has good performance in many ways, namely, it can prevent water spray. And the fabric fibers can block particles better than other types of fabric. And most importantly, it can be used many times. There are also other types of fabric such as raw cotton, nano fabric, sago fabric, and stretch fabric.

: Protect against COVID-19 and PM 2.5 dust.

The N95 mask is considered a highly effective surgical mask. If worn correctly Made from polypropylene (Polypropylene) has the appearance of completely covering the front of the mouth and nose. Can filter dust and virus droplets size 0.1-0.3 microns, which are COVID-19 germs. It has a size of 0.2 microns and up.

Therefore, if the N95 mask is worn correctly, it will be effective in protecting against COVID-19 and PM 2.5 dust, but if worn for a long time it will cause difficulty breathing. Therefore, it may not be suitable for everyday wear.

: Prevent COVID-19 But cannot protect against PM 2.5 dust.

carbon mask It is a mask that has properties that are no different from medical masks. But it is more special because it has a carbon layer. Helps filter unwanted odors Filter bacteria and can filter dust of 3 microns in size, so it cannot protect against PM 2.5 dust.

: Cannot protect against COVID-19 and PM 2.5 dust.

sponge mask Made from carbon polyurethane For general air filtration Its advantages are that it can be washed and cleaned, dries quickly, folds and doesn’t wrinkle. Can prevent car fumes, pollen, and small dust particles. But cannot protect against PM 2.5 dust and COVID-19.

: Protect against COVID-19 and PM 2.5 dust.

It is a Korean hygienic mask. KF stands for Korea Filter. There are 2 types: KF94 and KF80. It can block dust larger than 3 microns 100%, including smaller dust such as PM 2.5 that is 0.3 microns in size. It can protect 94% in Models KF94 and KF80 can block 80% and protect against COVID-19. or other infectious diseases It can be prevented 100% because it is larger than 3 microns if it is in a crowded room where the air is not ventilated well enough. There may be a lot of germs. The protection percentage can be reduced to 94% with full coverage. There are no holes in the mask.

: Protect against COVID-19 and PM 2.5 dust.

It is a surgical mask that has similar efficiency to N95 and has an air filter valve. Can help prevent dust. bacteria and viruses It has the same ability as N95 that captures at least 94% of small particles PM 2.5 and PM 10. It completely covers the nose. This makes germs, bacteria, and viruses unable to pass through. The disadvantage is that when coughing or sneezing, saliva droplets can escape through the air filter valve as well.