With air pollution in big cities becoming increasingly serious today, face masks have become “indivisible objects” of many people. Among the popular masks, activated carbon medical masks are trusted by consumers. However, can this type of mask protect health from all harmful factors from the environment?
How effective is activated carbon medical mask?
What is activated carbon medical mask?
These are black medical masks consisting of layers of fabric covered with activated carbon. Activated carbon, also known as “Activated carbon”, is a type of coal that has undergone the activation process at high temperatures up to 1000 degrees C under anaerobic conditions. Thanks to the activation, the coal layer becomes more porous, appears small gaps in the molecular lattice to form a mesh that removes microscopic particles.
Therefore, the black medical masks with activated carbon layer are capable of filtering dirt, fungus and bacteria. In addition, the activated carbon layer also removes harmful substances from the air such as: H2S, SO2, CO2 …
Activated carbon layer provides optimal air purification
Convenience, ability to filter dust and bacteria is what makes activated carbon medical masks so popular with consumers. However, on the market, there are also many units producing and distributing unstable quality masks. To protect your own health, choose to buy activated carbon face masks from reputable and reputable companies.
How effective is activated carbon medical mask?
Medical masks in general and activated carbon medical masks in particular are favored by consumers because of their convenience, using a few times to replace them with another one without washing them to reuse. In addition, another advantage of this mask is its cheap price (average 1,000 VND / unit).
Normally, the structure of active medical masks consists of 4 layers of non-woven fabric mixed with activated carbon. Medical face masks are not too thick, so the sun protection is only in average.
According to Healthline, medical masks can filter out common dust and smoke and can prevent the transmission of flu and airborne diseases up to 70%. In addition, activated carbon masks only partially prevent toxic gases and are not resistant to fine dust, heavy metal particles and other pollutants.
Medical masks cannot protect users from environmental pollutants
How to choose quality masks?
Medical masks have gradually become familiar to consumers, used to shade the sun, prevent dust and resist unpleasant odors when on the street. Especially what makes consumers choose these masks is that they are convenient, only need to be used once and thrown away.
Currently, the medical masks are produced and distributed by many units with different prices. Not only pharmacies but also roadside stores have sprung up with surprisingly cheap medical masks and unclear origins.
According to the seller, the products with prices from 40,000 VND / box or more have better quality than the price range of about 15,000-25,000 VND / box. Products with cheaper prices than general ground are usually of low quality imported from China.
According to Dr. Le Huynh Mai – Head of General Planning Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, medical mask products sold along the road are sewn from unsecured materials, even not at all. Disinfection should be harmful to the health of consumers. In addition, activated carbon medical masks use that smells due to the use of glue to fix coal particles during the production process.
You should buy medical masks with clear brands and origins
To avoid buying the wrong quality products, consumers should not buy unbranded products at too low prices. In addition, you should buy genuine masks at medical facilities, pharmacies and reputable drugstore websites.
Real masks have a tough, water-repellent layer of activated carbon fabric that won’t tear if you rub them. Besides, you should note that you should choose a mask that fits your face properly and wears it properly to promote its protective effect.
How to wear activated carbon medical masks
If you do not know how to wear a medical mask, dust and bacteria can penetrate the respiratory system and harm the body.
When using activated carbon medical face masks, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Wear a mask in the correct face. Activated carbon medical masks have a darker outer surface than the inside.
- Wear the right way. The medical mask has the upper part of a hard nose brace that can adjust the curvature to fix and help hug the user’s face.
- Clearance restriction. After inserting the strap on the ears, pull it downwards to cover the chin, and at the same time use the little finger and thumb to squeeze the nose clamp to fit the bridge of the nose.
With these simple steps, you can maximize the protection of the medical mask.
In general, activated carbon medical masks are sunscreen, anti-dust, antibacterial but not protect the respiratory system from super fine particles. For maximum health protection, you need to choose to buy masks from reputable brands and wear them properly.
