After medical masks, antiseptic water … difficult to buy, online spread of ways of using salt soaked on masks that are used to prevent the new Coronavirus. So, can salt-coated masks neutralize the Coronavirus?
Medical mask wearers can often touch the mask to adjust, move the mask to scratch their face, constantly remove and re-wear. All of these actions may contribute to the pathogen on the surface of the mask from entering the body. However, Hyo-Jick Choi, a biomedical engineer and professor at the University of Alberta, Canada, has found a potential solution to a mask that can kill harmful pathogens instead of just blocking them. The secret ingredient is a refined salt.
Can salt-coated masks neutralize Coronavirus?
The team believes that salt-coated masks are more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than medical masks.
As the 2019-nCoV virus pandemic is still complicated, masks have become a scarce commodity in many countries. Even after possessing a medical mask, experts believe that users cannot be subjective and must pay attention to both the stage of wearing the mask on the face and the disposal.
One of the mistakes of people wearing medical masks is to regularly touch the outside to adjust the mask with their hands, then use their hands to put them on the face, or use their hands to remove the mask and put it on again.
Such actions can expose viruses or bacteria on the outer surface of the mask to sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose or mouth. So, wearing a mask is one thing, but wearing and using it properly is much more important.
To limit the infection when touching the mask with your hands, scientists at the University of Alberta, Canada have come up with a new solution: salt-coated masks. Not only prevent viruses or bacteria, these masks can also kill bacteria.
“The tiny droplets that carry the Coronavirus when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks can stay on the surface of the mask. The biggest drawback of medical masks or N95 masks currently is that they cannot kill the virus. on the surface, thereby increasing the rate of infection when touching the mask, “said Hyo-Jick Choi, a researcher at the University of Alberta.
However, when the mask is coated with refined salt, the drops of water that touch the mask will soak into the salt. When the solution evaporates, there will be only viruses and salt crystals on the surface. This crystal can kill viruses.
“In laboratory tests, the virus will be inactivated in 5 minutes, and killed after 30 minutes,” said Mr. Choi.
Hyo-Jick Choi (right) and Ilaria Rubin (left)-University of Alberta researchers
The idea of salt on the mask comes from a previous project of the team when they want to create a vaccine. The crystal structure of the solution is constantly causing the virus to be broken.
“When witting crystal structures that break down particles containing viruses, we think that we can apply this way to remove viruses “, Ilaria Rubino, research student in the explanation group.
The idea can also be easily deployed with a large scale, because the cost of salt on the mask is not high. The team is looking to connect with companies ready to invest. However, the finished product should take about 2 years.
“The types of salt masks can be produced and stored in order to limit future outbreaks,” Ms. Rubino added.
How to wear face masks properly
– The effect of the mask is best promoted when using the need to be sealed both nose and mouth should be used 1 time and then throw in the trash safe, with lids. Absolutely no reuse of disposable sheets.
You should wear a medical mask only once
– When wearing a face mask, you must keep your blue face out and the white side inside. Because the effect of the water-resistant blue face mask will help prevent large droplets of saliva from shooting and will not be absorbed in. The white face is hygroscopic, so it must be turned inside, so that the breath escapes to the mask.
– Do not touch your hands during the process of wearing the mask, as touching or even modifying the mask can inadvertently infect the hand with viruses and other pathogens. That will lead to the transmission of the disease to oneself and those around it.
– When removing the mask, you can only hold the strap over the ear, remove it and put it in the trash can safely. Do not use the handle to remove the mask. And immediately quit the habit of using your hands to re-apply the mask, which will infect your hands with viruses and other pathogens.
– After removing and disposing of the mask, hands should be washed with soap and rinsed under clean running water immediately to disinfect hands.
After removing and discarding the face mask, it is necessary to disinfect the hands However, the effects of the medical mask and frequent hand washing is just one of the measures to prevent viruses. In addition, you need to regularly clean eating utensils as well as boiled food and drink to improve disease prevention more effectively.
