Wearing a mask is an important measure to prevent the spread of the virus and prevent infection. Due to the different types of masks, different groups of users, and different use environments, it is not possible to uniformly specify how long masks should be used. Under normal circumstances, disposable medical surgical masks are recommended to be replaced at least once every 4 hours; if the mask is wet or soiled by secretions, or is damaged, or if you feel the breathing resistance increases, you should replace it immediately.
Microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, etc. These pathogenic microorganisms may not only originate from the outside world, and adsorb on the outer surface of the mask through inhalation, but also may be adsorbed on the inner surface of the mask through exhalation because the user carries bacteria and viruses. People have different ways to deal with used masks. Let’s first list a few common ways to deal with them:
1. Scald the mask with boiling water: high-temperature scalding is a common disinfection method, such as boiling, which is simple and easy to operate. However, when using boiling water to scald the mask, you must place the mask on the container or countertop, which cannot avoid contaminating the container or countertop. Secondly, boiling water alone cannot meet the continuous high temperature required for disinfection, and the time is not enough, and it may only kill part of it. Pathogen. Therefore, boiling water is not recommended.
2. Incineration treatment: Although incineration has the effect of high temperature disinfection, it will bring certain environmental pollution and cause fire safety hazards. Therefore, personal incineration treatment is not recommended.
3. Cut the masks and throw them away: Although cutting the discarded masks into small pieces can prevent recycling by people with ulterior motives, it cannot kill the virus, and there is still a great risk of infection. Therefore, it cannot be cut into pieces.
So what is the most reasonable way to dispose of used masks?
In view of the characteristics of the novel coronavirus that have been mastered, the following methods are relatively safe. When you are in a medical institution, all used masks should be put directly into a special yellow garbage bag for medical waste. As medical waste, these masks will be centrally disposed of by professional treatment institutions. In normal times, for people suspected of suffering from infectious diseases, they should hand over the used masks to the corresponding staff for treatment as medical waste when they see a doctor or undergo examination and disposal.
For people with symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, sneezing, or people who have been in contact with such people, it is recommended to throw the used masks in the trash can, and then use 5% of 84 disinfectant according to 1:99 Or medical alcohol, spray it on the mask for treatment. For ordinary people, if there is no risk of spreading infectious diseases, masks should be folded and stored when they are not used temporarily.
It is not recommended to reuse disposable masks. After use, they can be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of household garbage classification. You can also disinfect the used masks with alcohol spray and put them in sealed bags such as plastic bags, and then discard them in a closed trash can. In addition, it should be noted that the used masks should not be touched by others to avoid cross-infection; and the used masks should not be thrown in your bag or pocket casually, which is easy to be contaminated; after handling the masks, Please remember to wash your hands and maintain hygiene.
