Due to the increased emissions from industry and automobile exhaust, the smog in some domestic cities is also quite serious. Internet rumors, N95 masks can prevent haze, there are businesses directly to the name of such masks " PM2.5 masks ."
Are these masks really useful in a hazy environment? Can you filter out fine particles? As the developer of the "N95 mask," Zhang Linghan, president of 3M's Greater China Region, has just experienced Malay Peninsula "fog" weather and was transferred from Singapore to Shanghai. A few days ago when interviewed by reporters, it was frankly stated that "PM2.5 mask" is not a scientific concept; similarly, "N95 mask" cannot be called "PM2.5 mask".
Gauze material anti-particles are misunderstood Zhang Linghan has seen the so-called "PM2.5 mask" is being sold, but as long as the gauze material, basically do not fly. The use of gauze masks as anti-particulate masks is a major misunderstanding, and the price of professional dust masks is much more expensive than gauze masks. As early as 2000, it was possible to find clear texts that prohibit the use of gauze masks as dust in the workplace. Because gauze masks are not only inefficient in filtering, the ability of masks to isolate air pollution is also clearly inadequate.
In fact, the “N95” is the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of the United States. It is the lowest in all levels of the filtration efficiency of particle respirator. It is applied to non-oily particulate matter such as dust, paint mist, acid mist, and viruses. The filtration efficiency can indeed reach 95% or more. Although it can filter out PM2.5 with a particle size of less than 2.5 microns, it is not specifically designed for this single function. "3M will not call it a PM2.5 mask."
Activated carbon does not increase protection efficiency. So, activated carbon masks can prevent PM2.5? Respiratory protection product engineer introduced a layer of thin activated carbon or other gas-adsorbing materials on particulate protective masks to reduce some of the unpleasant gases at low concentrations, that is, to reduce odors. For example, odors and other odors. When the odor gas concentration is high enough to be harmful to health, a gas mask is needed.
Therefore, activated carbon masks on the market are not superior to non-active carbon masks in the protection of particulate matter. Activated carbon only increases the deodorizing effect of certain odors, but there is no difference in preventing the PM2.5 belt from carrying “charcoal”. Activated carbon mask does not increase the protection efficiency of particulate matter.
Vulnerability on the face The anti-particulate masks are really protective, an important factor is suitability, because there is no universal mask designed to suit everyone's face. At present, the certification testing of all particulate prevention masks does not guarantee that the masks are suitable for each specific user. Because of the different face types, if there is a leak when wearing a mask, fine particulate contaminants in the air will enter the breathing zone from these “big holes”.
If the "PM2.5 mask" claims to be washable, it is unscientific. No matter whether it is anti-virus or dust-proof, these filters should not be washed or disinfected, otherwise they will damage the filter elements and reduce the filtration efficiency.
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