Coronavirus reaches India: How effective are face masks for your safety?

The coronavirus is now responsible for confirmed cases of the strain in more than 23 countries outside China, including India. As with any global outbreak, the citizens have the risk of exposure to the virus of their minds. In this situation, it is a necessity to be aware about the effectiveness and types of masks that can be used to protect yourself from this pandemic!

Typically there are two main types of air respirators (masks), air-purifying respirators and air-supplied respirators. Air-purifying respirators help filter a contaminated atmosphere while air-supplied respirators deliver alternate supply of breathable fresh air. The generic surgical masks and paper masks are not recommended for use against virus infections since they provide easy access to air and so to airborne illnesses.

Let’s look at the types of masks that we can use in our current situation:

There is no ONE SIZE that fits all!

The first and foremost step to wearing the ideal mask for protecting yourself is the one that is individually fitted to the face creating a seal.

A N95 or N99 mask consists of dense filters and will help filter out 95-99% of particles from entering your mouth, only if you ensure a sealed fit around your nose and mouth.

Similarly, a Pitta mask is not useful in the current situation since it filters out only dust and pollen. A gas mask, on the other hand, is the most suitable option for such situations. If you are close to the source location of the virus, this is highly recommended as it ensures total safety.

A measure for care, but not cure:

While using masks may be seen as a preventive measure against the virus, remember that it is not enough. Health officials worldwide recommend frequently washing your hands with antibacterial soaps, using disposable gloves and keeping your immune system up as additional safety measures against any kind of flu or virus.

Face masks are of the greatest benefit to those who are already sick, helping them to prevent spreading the infection to others. If you feel the symptoms of fever or a head-ache, donning a mask will ensure the safety of those around you.

The benefits of wearing a mask in this outbreak scenario are multiple. However, it is also of importance to those susceptible to allergies or air pollutants in everyday life. The current air-quality scenario in India has led everyone waging a battle against the constantly rising pollution. While wearing a mask will not protect you completely, it will definitely lower the impact of the poor air-quality on your health.

Mask out from possible health threats:

While taking precautions against diseases outdoors, neglecting the quality of air inside your home is not a smart step. Learning more about Indoor Air Quality and taking the necessary steps will help you stay safe from all the harmful invisible chemicals that the air carries.

Even though wearing masks inside your homes is a good practise but it is not very practical. How can you ensure your homes spell out good health?

ActiveBuildings has developed highly cost-effective, plug-and-play sensors that will help you detect and analyse your Indoor Air Quality, using which a customised solution based on your current air filtering and conditioning system are provided to ensure that your home is the safest place for you and your close ones. Solutions from ActiveBuildings will make sure that the AQI of your home is monitored, maintained and optimised both for your health.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!