The COVID-19 pandemic which is an ongoing pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and a pandemic in March 2020. The onset of coronavirus pandemic has sparked a shortage of facemasks in almost all nations. The coronavirus outbreak is forcing societies all over the world to adapt to a new reality. In order to avoid the spread of the pandemic, people are being forced to adopt new hygienic habits such as the use of masks, social distancing and washing hands frequently. In light of the aforementioned, it is critical to balance the supply and demand for masks. COVID-19 will also ensure that masks are always considered as an essential commodity in future pandemic preparedness. Moreover, billions of facemasks are produced from petrochemicals derived raw materials, which are non-degradable upon disposal after their single use, thus causing environmental pollution and damage. The sustainable way forward is to use eco friendly bio degrabable face masks. Both cloth and disposable face masks, when worn properly on the face with little to no gaps around the nose, cheeks or underneath the chin, perform equally well in terms of reducing the respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer. The CDC recommends cloth face masks with multiple layers of fabric that fit securely against the face while allowing for clear breathing. The masks should also resist getting damaged or changing shape after being laundered and dried. Cloth masks meeting these recommendations can, therefore, be considered safe. Materials and methods: cloth face masks were prepared at home with the old t shirts or any other cotton material available at home using the instructions given in health line. Results: A total of 20 School children were followed up every week telephonically asking them if they had developed any respiratory symptoms after they started using the cloth mask from October 1st 2020. None of them developed any respiratory infections till date. Conclusions: Cloth masks are protecting against corona virus, common flu and other respiratory tract infections as well if used properly along with other preventive measures like social distancing and hand washing.
Eco-friendly Biodegradable Masks to prevent COVID-19 virus using substances available at home
Short Description:
In order to avoid the spread of the pandemic, people are being forced to adopt new hygienic habits such as the use of masks, social distancing and washing hands frequently. In light of the aforementioned, it is critical to balance the supply and demand for masks.