Are smelly masks toxic?
Are smelly masks toxic? The function of masks is mainly for facial protection. Masks can prevent infection and are a must for us when we go out now. Many people may not know much about masks. Let’s find out whether smelly masks are toxic. Are smelly masks toxic? 1
No, masks are all sterilized. The smell of masks is usually caused by your own breath and your own mouth, so you feel the smell. In fact, most of it comes from your own smell. Don’t think too much about it. Another thing is that gauze also has its own smell. These are non-toxic. Wear them with confidence. Wearing them is better than not wearing them at all.
Where does the odor of masks come from?
If you smell a peculiar smell when wearing a mask, it is either a problem with the mask itself, or it is our own bad breath.
Let’s talk about the second possibility first. There are various kinds of bacteria living in our mouths. One of the "big brothers" called "odor-causing bacteria" is the creator of bad breath. When our mouth is not cleaned properly, or we smoke and drink frequently, or there are some gastrointestinal problems, When people suffer from respiratory diseases, bacteria that can produce odor-causing gases will breed.
But in the past, because there was no barrier of masks, they usually dissipated in the air when we exhaled.
But now that we are wearing masks, the exhaled air cannot be discharged in large quantities in time and is blocked by the masks. As a result, we are "disaster" and we can smell the "odor" exhaled from the mouth all the time.
For this kind of "odor" problem, we can solve it by actively treating the original disease and correcting hygiene habits.
If you really can't stand it, you can try using mouthwash and chewing gum to help reduce the odor in your mouth.
In addition, I would like to tell everyone secretly that when wearing a mask, try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, which can also reduce odor.
After talking about the odor caused by bad breath, let’s explore the odor caused by the mask itself.
Currently, the mainstream masks on the market are non-woven masks made of PP non-woven fabric. PP non-woven fabric is directly spun from polypropylene, which is Thermoplastic resin polymerized from propylene is a non-toxic, odorless, white and transparent solid.
Polypropylene itself is non-toxic and odorless, but the production process involves a lot of technical requirements. Polypropylene pellets will degrade due to their own degradation and the use of various additives. It produces an odor.
Can the odor of raw materials be improved? The answer is yes. China already has a very high technical level in the field of polypropylene. The quality of polypropylene pellets from Sinopec and PetroChina is very good. Generally, manufacturers with excellent standards can produce "low odor" non-woven fabrics.
If you buy a mask with a strong odor, it is probably because of a special period, tight time, heavy tasks, shortage of raw materials, the factory temporarily replaced raw materials, or some informal manufacturers chose to use it for the sake of profit. Poor quality materials.
Generally speaking, the odor of masks is due to two factors. One is caused by the unclean human mouth; the other is caused by the odor of polypropylene pellets, the raw material of the mask.
Will inhaling "odor" for a long time cause cancer?
Of course, having a peculiar smell will not make people feel at ease, not to mention that now you have to wear a mask for more than ten hours a day. Some people have questioned whether inhaling these peculiar smells for a long time will harm the body? "Polypropylene" belongs to Category III carcinogens. Will it increase our risk of cancer?
The answer is no, you can rest assured. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies polypropylene as a Category III carcinogen, the Category III carcinogen means that there is insufficient human or animal data to prove that it causes cancer. In other words, polypropylene is carcinogenic. There is no reliable basis for the opinion. Besides, the three types of carcinogens also include chlorinated drinking water, tea, etc., which are also common or commonly eaten substances in our lives, and they have not been shown to increase the risk of cancer.
Under the current situation where the epidemic situation is gradually recovering, masks are no longer in short supply as before. People can also make an appointment online or go to regular pharmacies offline to buy regular quality masks, so as long as they are used correctly, there is not much health risk.
Are smelly masks toxic? 2
Is it normal for masks to smell?
A slight smell is normal
Some masks have some smell, but this one is normal It doesn't have much impact, just don't stay too long. It's definitely okay to wear a mask occasionally, so don't be too nervous.
The mask itself has no smell, but it will go through a disinfection process when it leaves the factory. If you are sensitive to the smell, it is recommended to dry it in the vent for a while. The smell will not affect your health.
Pungent odor is abnormal
Most masks do not have any odor. Only activated carbon masks have a faint scent of activated carbon, and the rubber straps have no smell.
If the mask has a strong pungent smell, it is likely that you have bought a fake mask. Not only does this mask not provide good protection, but it may also easily cause physical discomfort.
The correct way to wear a mask
How to wear a disposable medical mask and a disposable medical surgical mask:
1. Fully unfold the folded surface and be gentle with your movements.
2. Cover the nose, mouth and chin with the mask. If it is a lace-up type, tie the upper strap of the mask to the middle of the head and the lower strap to the back of the neck; if it is an ear-hook type, hang it directly on the ears. occasion.
3. Place the fingertips of both hands on the nose clip and shape the nose clip according to the shape of the bridge of the nose.
4. Check whether the edge of the mask fits the face.
How often should masks be worn and replaced?
For disposable masks, wear them continuously for 4 hours and replace them immediately if they become contaminated or wet. The main reason why masks can play a protective role is the filter layer. If the mask becomes wet or dirty with secretions, the protective performance will be reduced. If masks are in short supply, they can be reused after drying naturally, but they cannot be washed.
Masks worn by the general population during normal activities, such as masks worn during daily activities such as taking public transport, grocery shopping in supermarkets, etc., have a very small probability of carrying the new coronavirus and do not need to be used after use. disinfect. Masks worn by suspected patients with symptoms such as fatigue and fever should be collected and treated as medical waste.
Why masks need to be replaced regularly
First of all, let’s start with the principle. Whether it is a medical mask or an N95 level dust mask, its filtration principle is the same. It intercepts and adsorbs particles (including dust, bacteria, viruses, etc.) in the inhaled air through the barrier layer (made of polypropylene melt-blown fiber) in the interlayer of the mask to prevent users from inhaling harmful particles.
In addition to fiber interception, electret treatment is generally performed on the barrier layer of the mask to make the barrier layer slightly charged, actively absorb particles, and enhance the filtration effect.
The barrier layer of the mask is equivalent to a large net. Therefore, even if the hygienic condition of the mask is not considered, if the mesh of this large net is blocked by various particles and the mesh is filled to a certain limit, , without enough air coming in, we will naturally feel difficulty breathing while wearing it, and this mask will naturally not be used.
Moreover, a warm and moist mask is also a good environment for bacteria to breed. In addition, considering that the mask is stained by saliva and nose, deformed and damaged after long-term use, affecting air tightness, in principle, the mask cannot be used for a long time. of. Are smelly masks poisonous 3
Which mask is better
TOP1, 3M masks
TOP2, Honeywell masks
Huo Newell is one of the largest safety equipment manufacturers in the world, and the masks it produces are also very famous. However, Honeywell produces relatively few mask models, and there is only one famous one: Honeywell H901 mask.
TOP3, Shimeijia Masks
Shimeijia masks are of very good quality, individually packaged, very hygienic, and have no odor except for a little smell from the activated carbon layer, and the packaging is also very good. The filtering effect is not bad.
TOP4, Green Shield Mask
Green Shield Mask is a new generation of antibacterial dust-proof mask developed by Shanghai Xingnuo Kanglun Technology. It currently has the patent authorization for domestic PM2.5 masks. Its patented PM2.5 technology has a dust-proof level that can prevent particles with a particle size of less than or equal to 2.5 microns. Green Shield masks are currently available in adult and children's styles, which can provide your family with healthy and comprehensive outdoor protection! Children under three years old and those with low lung capacity or those with low lung capacity should not wear masks while sleeping.
TOP5, Robust Masks
Robust replaceable filter masks are representative of masks that comply with the new national standards.
TOP6, Ruishibao Mask
Ruishibao negative ion mask is designed with cotton and water acupuncture antibacterial fiber layers, which has good breathability. It can be seen that on the packaging of the product, this mask has a negative ion function. Is it as magical as the introduction? It can actually prevent PM2.5 up to 99%
TOP7, Zhongti Power Mask
Zhongti Power Mask is better than European and American standard protective masks. Zhongti Bili masks, anti-smog masks, pm2.5 masks, anti-formaldehyde masks, dust-proof masks, medical masks, N95 masks
TOP8, UVEX masks
Founded in Germany in 1926, it is one of the top ten brands of protective equipment and a well-known supplier in the field of industrial safety protective equipment, providing the best protection for humans during work, sports and leisure activities. Juvais was founded in 1926 by Phillip M. Winter and is headquartered in Furth, Germany. Rainer Winter, the current president, took over Juvais in the early 1960s and successfully transformed the company into a global enterprise. Today, Juves is the only international supplier of exclusive brands of head-to-toe industrial safety protection products in the world.
TOP9, Kowa three-dimensional masks
Kowa Tsusho Co., Ltd., Kowa three-dimensional mask, started in Japan in 1894, is a subsidiary of Kowa Co., Ltd., focusing on health, medical and chemical An enterprise integrating mask production, manufacturing, sales and trade in multiple fields
Xinghe has a history of 120 years since its establishment. During this period, Xinghe Group has always grasped the trend of the times, reviewed environmental changes, and established Today's business is the source of strength for the group's continuous growth and development. Today, Xinghe Group carries out corporate activities in more fields and continues to make efforts to improve the cultural content of your life.
TOP10, AirWalker masks
With its efficient filtration capacity, excellent fit and comfort, AirWalker was finally rated as the best children's anti-haze mask in Blueberry winter. Face mask.