Study Makes Shocking Claims About Wearing Used Face Masks - Android

A recently published study has claimed that reusing a three-layer surgical facemask is less effective at filtering particles than not… Read More

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A recently published study has claimed that reusing a three-layer surgical facemask is less effective at filtering particles than not wearing one at all.

The three-layer surgical facemasks have commonly been used around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reusing them has also been a common practice observed around the world including Pakistan.

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According to the study, a new three-layer surgical facemask is 65% effective in filtering particles in the air while its efficacy decreases to 25% on reuse.

Wearing a mask with less than 30% filtration efficacy could be more harmful than not wearing one at all, the study notes. It is because the effectiveness of a reused mask reduces when its shape becomes deformed with each use.

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It is a commonly held belief that wearing a facemask, no matter new or old, should always be better than nothing, said study’s co-author Jinxiang Xi, adding that the study has proven that this belief is only true for particles bigger than 5 micrometers but not for fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers.

He expressed hope that the findings of the study will prompt healthcare authorities to ensure that masses do not wear excessively used or expired surgical facemask.

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