Tamil Nadu experts: Warning on N-95 masks should’ve come earlier

“Cotton masks are the best bet to avoid getting infected by the virus as masks made of this material or with hosiery will prevent entry of aerosols and droplets,” said Dr T Jacob John, former head of Virology Department at CMC Hospital. The N-95 masks will filter aerosols up to 5 microns which can float in air to a distance of 6 ft and affect the other person, he added.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, use of N-95 masks with valve-respirator leads to easy transmission of coronavirus when the person wearing the mask exhales. Thus, the Union Ministry stated that the use of N-95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing spread of the virus.

Public health experts also expressed concern over the late observation with regard to the adverse effects of the N-95 masks as their use has picked up largely among common people. “The use of cloth masks have been found very effective. Even the Union Ministry has now recommended it. However, these observations should have been made earlier as the masks with valved respirators are being commonly used. If the sale of such masks continues, it poses a huge risk to the public,” said public health expert Dr K Kolandaisamy.

Also, the inappropriate use of masks has been pointed out by several health experts as their use without covering the nose or mouth is a common occurrence.

“There are people who hang masks around the neck or use them only to cover their mouth, but the nose is open. It is high time that people are made aware of the proper use of masks,” said Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, deputy director, National Institute of Epidemiology.