The health ministry had warned against the use of N95 masks, adding it doesn’t contribute in the mitigation of the spread of the virus
Bengaluru: Indian health ministry has warned against the use of N95 masks, especially those with respiratory valves.
“It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask,” says the letter issued by Rajiv Garg, the director-general of health services, ministry of health, to all the states and union territories.
As per the letter, N-95 masks with valves are not able to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Dr Sreenath Manikanti, senior consultant and HOD, neonatology & paediatrics at Fortis La Femme Hospital, speaking to MyNation, said that the health ministry has taken the right decision in warning the public.
“Masks with one-way valve is designed for easier breathing but allow unfiltered droplets to go out from the mask. They work well if the purpose is to protect you from air pollution,” said Dr Sreenath Manikanti.
He added, “The main purpose of wearing masks during this COVID-19 pandemic is preventing you from spreading infection to others, as well as protecting you from infection spread by others through infectious respiratory droplets when they sneeze or cough or breathe forcefully. N95 masks with valves filter air only on inhalation and they expel unfiltered air in a strong and steady jet with force. Thus, they pose risk to others surrounding you, spreading infectious respiratory droplets if you are affected by COVID-19. As we are seeing an increase in the number of asymptomatic carriers, wearing the masks with valves will be detrimental to society as they silently spread the disease without their knowledge.”
Furthermore, Dr Manikanti added, “Hence some governments and establishments across the world have banned masks that have valves. The health ministry of India has taken the right decision in warning the public against using N95 masks with valves. Ban should be strictly imposed in all public places.”
Instead of N-95 masks with valved respirators, you can use the ones without it or use surgical or three-ply masks. For others, even cloth masks work because they are usually not taking care of COVID-19 patients.
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