The pandemic has changed our lives in all possible ways. It has challenged us on every front, from health care to the economy, and most importantly, on social fronts. One of the challenges that we have faced from the outbreak of COVID-19 is the continuous threat of airborne spread of the virus. Various precautions and measures have been adopted to protect ourselves from the virus, and amongst those are face masks. However, not all masks are the same, and there is one kind that has been making rounds across the globe, known as the n95 mask Canada. N95 masks have become a must-have for all frontline healthcare workers and also for general individuals. In this article, we will learn what an N95 mask is and why it is so important.
What is an N95 mask?
N95 masks are the masks that provide the highest level of protection against the airborne spread of the virus. These masks are designed with specific protective layers that block 95% of airborne particles, hence known as N95 or filtering facepiece respirator masks (FFRM). These masks are used to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous airborne particles and also to protect others from the wearer, in case the wearer is contagious.
How does N95 mask work?
An N95 mask has a multilayer filter that traps different sizes of particles, including smoke, pollen, droplets, bacteria, and viruses. The filter works in two ways, mechanical filtration and electrical attraction. The mechanical filtration layer blocks large particles, while the electrical layer captures smaller particles like viruses or bacteria.
Why is it important to wear an N95 mask in Canada?
Canada has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, with over 30,000 new confirmed cases in January 2021 alone. With this staggering number, it is crucial to protect ourselves and others from the spread of the virus. N95 masks provide the highest level of protection against the virus, and every individual should try to wear one, especially in crowded areas or places with no proper ventilation. However, it is important to note that N95 masks are certified to be used only by healthcare professionals and not recommended for the general public. They may be used by the general public only in certain situations, such as caring for a suspected infected individual or when the standard surgical mask is not available.
Where to buy N95 masks?
N95 masks are not widely available in the market as they are in high demand due to their effectiveness. Individuals can check with their local pharmacy or medical supply stores if they have the availability of N95 masks. Online stores like AMAZON and BestBuy also offer N95 masks, but it is essential to verify the authenticity of the product before buying. A counterfeit N95 mask can be as harmful as no mask.
N95 masks have been proven to be the most effective in protecting against airborne particle spread, including the COVID-19 virus. It is important to understand that N95 masks are not a substitute for other precautions such as social distancing and hand hygiene but an additional measure to protect against virus transmission. The individuals must wear masks in public places to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it is equally important to ensure that the individual is using the right kind of mask.