The word "mask" means an object with slits for the eyes (and sometimes for the nose and mouth), covering the face. The purposes of using it are different: from participation in rituals to protection from dangerous infections. Face masks are also cosmetic, i.e. in this case we are talking about applying certain mixtures of ingredients to the skin that have nourishing and regenerating effects.
The main topic of this article is a protective face mask, the purpose of which is to prevent contact of the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract with harmful and dangerous substances and microorganisms.
What are the masks and what are they for?
The protective face mask can be presented in different forms. There are half masks designed to protect only the respiratory organs (respirators), goggles that protect only the eyes, and combined protective equipment that covers the face completely. There are masks whose main purpose is to prevent injury. They cover the entire face, but are ineffective in protecting the respiratory system from harmful and dangerous substances (for example, a goalkeeper's mask in hockey).
Medical masks are designed to preventcontact with the skin of the face, eyes and respiratory tract of infectious agents. Goggles and respirators are used for this purpose. The latter can be either disposable (this option is preferable) or reusable (after use, they must be subjected to special processing methods that destroy microorganisms hazardous to he alth).
A protective face mask is indispensable in production, for example, when performing welding work, when working in a room with a high concentration of dust and other hazardous substances in terms of the development of occupational lung diseases (asbestosis, anthracosis and other pneumoconiosis).
Protection masks used by the military can only be used to prevent injury to the face and head, or to obstruct identification or to act as protection against poisonous substances (gas masks).
Breathing masks for pilots and divers can also be classified as protective. They are designed to provide breathing in an oxygen-free environment.
Affordable and easy-to-use personal protective equipment
A protective face mask (transparent) is widely used in various fields (for example, construction, medicine) and is designed to protect against flying small objects (dust, wood chips, etc.), as well as from contact with the skin and mucous membranes of biological materials (blood, saliva, etc.). It is made of polymer materials, which makes it easy and safe to use (there is no risk of breaking it and getting injured by fragments). Of course, this mask is not suitable for the role of a respirator, i.e. inhalation of hazardous substances anddoes not prevent microorganisms.
It can be in the form of glasses (and protect only the eyes) or in the form of a shield covering the entire face. To protect the upper respiratory tract, it is required to additionally wear a mask made of filter materials or having a system of replaceable filters. Plastic goggles, for example, are often designed to be used with a respirator, so their shape is best suited for this purpose.
Prevention of pneumoconiosis
Inhalation of many substances adversely affects he alth. Consequences can occur immediately or after a certain period of time. To avoid this, dust masks should be used. Most often they are presented in the form of half masks, covering only the mouth and nose and implying the additional use of goggles to protect the eyes, if necessary.
How to protect yourself from dangerous chemicals?
Working with certain substances endangers human he alth. Protective face masks against chemicals are designed to minimize the risk of contact of such materials with the skin and mucous membranes. Working with toxic products implies the possibility of injury if personal protection measures are not followed. Chemical compounds can cause burns and poisoning. Therefore, to avoid contact with them, it is necessary to use masks that reliably protect the face and also prevent the inhalation of volatile toxic substances.
In this case, oftena combination of a respirator with goggles or a protective transparent shield is used. When working with especially hazardous substances, it becomes necessary to completely isolate from external factors. For this purpose, for example, gas masks are used. The adsorbing and neutralizing ingredients in them are activated carbon and special chemical absorbents.
Medical masks
Their main purpose is to protect against pathogens of infectious diseases. A protective face mask in medicine is usually presented in the form of a respirator or plastic goggles. The use of disposable masks made of filter materials is a common practice in all medical institutions. They are used not only by medical personnel, but also by patients. These products protect well from inhalation of infectious agents into the respiratory tract, and also prevent the spread of pathogens from the carrier. Unfortunately, the effect does not last long. Ideally, such masks should be changed every two hours.
ARVI: how to protect yourself?
Protective face masks for flu prevention can be different. For this purpose, you can use disposable medical masks, which were discussed above, or use hand-made gauze bandages. Wearing a dust mask is also not prohibited.
Influenza virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, i.e. with droplets of saliva from a sick person during a sneezeand even conversation. Wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose significantly reduces the risk of infection. The main thing is to follow certain rules:
- Follow the instructions. If it says that the mask should be replaced after two hours, then you need to do just that.
- Do not reuse disposable masks.
- Gauze bandages should be changed every four hours. Used must be washed and ironed to disinfect.
- The mask should fit snugly to the face, leaving no gaps if possible.
- It is not recommended to touch the mask with your hands. If this happens, wash your hands thoroughly.
And, of course, we should not forget about other preventive measures for more complete protection against possible infection.
Infection prevention
Medical personnel are daily exposed to the risk of contracting dangerous infectious diseases. AIDS, hepatitis have long been considered occupational diseases of physicians. Infections transmitted by airborne droplets (influenza and SARS) also cause temporary disability of doctors. How to protect yourself?
A protective face mask against infections is essentially the same disposable medical mask described above. When used correctly (replaced with a new one every two hours), it is able to effectively protect the respiratory tract from pathogenic agents.
However, this is not enough if we talk about the prevention of infections that are transmitted throughcontact with the patient's blood. In addition to a face mask, it is mandatory to use plastic goggles. Other protective measures should not be forgotten, such as the use of disposable gloves, thorough handwashing, a surgical apron, and a change of work clothes that are regularly disinfected.
Protection required at all ages
Children's protective face masks are primarily medical masks, the principle of operation of which is no different from those for adults. The difference is only in size. Like adults, children's products differ depending on the purpose for which they were created. In addition to medical ones that prevent infection through contact with a sick person, there are, for example, sports masks that protect the face from injury, as well as children's gas masks and respirators, the task of which is to prevent life-threatening gases from entering the lungs.
Summarize
The main task of a protective mask is to prevent contact of the skin and mucous membranes with potentially dangerous agents, whether it be sports equipment, combustion products or pathogens. There are masks for all cases, designed for use not only by adults, but also by children.
The choice of personal protective equipment is wide and allows you to choose exactly what can reliably and effectively prevent damage to he alth.
