What should I do with used masks?
Published on:
2021-10-12
Source:
Hazards of used masks
As the little friend said, used masks may indeed carry a large number of microorganisms, such as viruses, oral bacteria, etc. These microorganisms may not only originate from the outside world, through inhalation, adsorbed on the outer surface of the mask, but also because the user itself carries bacteria, viruses, through exhalation, adsorbed on the inner surface of the mask. Therefore, used masks may have a high risk of infection.
When we take off our masks, there are a few things to remind everyone:
Do not touch the outer surface of the mask as you may infect yourself.
Do not touch the inner surface of the mask (you are a sick person) as you may infect others.
Do not touch masks that have been used by others, as cross-contamination is possible.
Do not put directly in bags, pockets, etc., as there may be a risk of ongoing infection.
No.2
What about used masks?
First of all, let's take a look at the processing provided by the small partner.
01
Blanch with boiling water
High temperature is indeed a way of disinfection, such as boiling, and it is simple and easy to operate. However, when using boiling water to iron masks, it is definitely necessary to place the mask on the container or countertop, which cannot avoid contaminating the container or countertop; Secondly, boiling water can not meet the continuous high temperature required for disinfection, and the time is not enough, which may only kill some pathogens. Therefore, boiling water is not recommended.
02
Incineration
Similarly, the principle of incineration is also high temperature disinfection. However, incineration will pollute the environment, cause safety hazards, and there is no such fixed site. Therefore, individual incineration disposal is not recommended.
03
Cut it up and throw it away
Although the intention of cutting masks to prevent recycling by people with ulterior motives is good, there is a high risk of infection. Therefore, it is not recommended to cut and shred.
No.3
How can used masks be effectively disposed of?
Human civilization has developed to the present, there are dozens of ways to kill pathogenic microorganisms, pressure steam, ultraviolet rays, high temperature, medical alcohol, chlorine (bromine) disinfectants and so on. However, to kill chickens with a cow knife, it is definitely necessary to choose a simpler, more efficient and safe way for us ordinary people.
When at a medical institution
Whether it is a doctor's consultation, a visit to a patient, or an interview, any mask used in a medical institution should be put directly into a medical waste garbage bag. These masks will be disposed of centrally by professional treatment institutions as medical waste, so we don't have to worry about it.
Some people say, OK, the mask you usually use can be thrown directly into the hospital next time. Here, I would like to remind everyone that no, because going to the hospital increases the risk of unnecessary infection.
Peacetime
For people suspected of having infectious diseases, the used masks should be handed over to the corresponding staff at the time of consultation or investigation and disposal, and disposed of as medical waste.
For people with fever, cough, sputum, sneezing and other symptoms, or people who have been in contact with such people, it is recommended to throw the mask into the trash first, and then use 5% 84 disinfectant according to the ratio of 1:99 and sprinkle it on the mask for treatment. If disinfectant is not available, you can also use a sealed bag/plastic bag to seal the mask and throw it in the trash.
For the general public, used masks can be thrown directly into the trash due to the low risk.
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