Disposable medical masks are used by healthcare professionals and consumers alike to protect their eyes, noses, and mouths. These masks are often referred to as surgical masks or medical procedure masks and can come in many different styles and materials.
When choosing a disposable medical mask, it is important to choose a product that fits snugly around the face and covers your mouth and nose. This will ensure that the mask provides protection against infection.
A good option is a three-ply, melt-blown surgical mask that is designed to have higher filtration levels than other disposable options. These masks are usually available in several different styles and colors, with a variety of features such as anti-fog, enhanced breathability, sensitive skin materials and custom face fitting.
You should also look for certification by a third-party organization that tests masks to ensure they meet ASTM standards. This will help ensure that you are getting a mask that is effective in protecting you from airborne hazards, according to Ranu Dhillon, an epidemic response specialist at Harvard Medical School and Waleed Javaid, MD, director of Infection Prevention and Control for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
The most common hotspot activity is the extraction of raw materials for the mask production, followed by packaging and transportation. The major environmental burdens arising from this stage include the emission of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to air.
Moreover, the release of halon 1301 and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to air are also significant. These substances are released during the body-making stage of the mask production and are responsible for a high percentage of the overall EP impact.