The effects of the pandemic have been quite destructive for many individuals. Businesses have been forced to close up, and virtually every country’s economies have been negatively affected. However, people have been most affected by the lack of movement worldwide. Luckily, the lock-down restrictions are beginning to ease up, which means the movement is now possible.
However, these restrictions also require individuals to wear face masks as much as possible. Seeing as this could be the new normal for a long time, people have started going for various sorts of face masks and shields.
Still, the best and most popular one to date is the KN95, which has proven its versatility and reliability. This fact makes it essential to understand how these KN95 masks work and why they are so popular. That said, read now since here is all you need to know about KN95 face coverings.
Where Did The KN95 Face Mask Originate From?
The KN95 masks are of Chinese origin. The Chinese designed these KN95 masks in similar nature to the N95 masks made in the United States.
Similar to the N95 masks, the KN95 face mask can filter out up to 95% of dirt and germs that are airborne. Impressively, they can filter out any particle that is at least 0.3 microns in diameter.
Due to the shortage of N95 masks in the United States, the FDA approved the distribution and use of this Asian mask. So far, they have proven to be a great help to the world at large.
The FDA authorized these masks to be used as an alternative to the N95 in April 2024, after putting this mask through a series of tests. Although the first version of these masks failed several tests, subsequent versions passed.
The Uses of KN95 masks
All sorts of people can use these handy masks and in all applications, even after the pandemic clears up.
Some of the people that fall into these categories include:
1. Engineering
The engineering industry has always needed face masks in most of its operations. From the assembly of automobile parts to the welding of several metals and even the exposure to harmful gases, it is easy to understand why it is needed.
2. The General Populace
Many countries in the world suffer from massive amounts of air pollution. All kinds of harmful bacteria and viruses circulate the air that people breathe in. Additionally, other pollutants such as smoke make the air insidious to the health of the general population.
3. Construction
There is a lot of debris and waste that escapes into the atmosphere during construction. Hence, workers at the heart of construction need the protection that the KN95 offers. Their ability to filter out 95% of all particles makes it a convenient tool for construction workers.
4. Sawmills
Operations at a Sawmill is one of the most dirt-filled operations in the world. Workers continuously have to put up with a lot of dirt and sawdust from wood for days. Using these masks ensures adequate protection against these particles.
5. Laboratories
It is common knowledge that laboratories contain a lot of harmful chemicals. Exposure to these toxic substances could lead to life-threatening situations, and sometimes, even fatalities. That said, it is essential to use these KN95 masks at a laboratory, even after the covid-19 virus disappears.
The Benefits and Downsides of the KN95
But it is necessary to understand the overall positives and the negatives of the KN95 for a full comprehensive guide.
Here are the benefits of the KN95 face mask.
1. It Reduces spread
Now that the Covid-19 virus shows no sign of slowing down, it is essential now more than ever to continue wearing masks. That said, the KN95 helps in the fight against this deadly pandemic. It is said to be able to prevent the contraction of this disease by up to 95%. However, it is essential to wear this mask for a maximum time limit as recommended by several sources when wearing any mask.
2. Prevents Diseases
In general, there are all kinds of harmful bacteria and viruses that are in the atmosphere. If these particles are breathed in, it can lead to the development of mild or deadly diseases and infections. Luckily, the KN95 serves as adequate protection against these diseases. To maximize its protection, ensure you keep your mask on, especially in public settings.
3. Protects Against Dirt
Dirt is an equally dangerous substance to breathe in continually, especially in places where dust is massively generated. It is even more dangerous if the individual has an allergic reaction to large amounts of dust particles.
Disadvantages
These are a few of the disadvantages of these masks.
1. Some Don’t Meet up to Medical Standards
As stated earlier, a decent portion of these masks didn’t pass the requirements that the FDA set. Although the masks have been altered, there are still many of them in public that are considered to be “low-quality.” The constant supply of low-quality masks presently poses a problem to the eradication of the pandemic.
Also, it poses a big problem to the healthcare industry. This problem is present because people who have contracted the virus are being admitted into the hospital daily. Health practitioners wearing this mask while attending to the infected are putting themselves at significant risk.
2. Harder to Breathe In
The Chinese designed the KN95 masks to fit smartly on the majority of the people who wear them. However, this design has created a problem for people who purchase the KN95 mask. These people have made their complaints known to the manufacturers on their inability to breathe comfortably. This highly uncomfortable feeling makes it almost impossible to wear for an extended amount of time.
Many reliable sources have stated that individuals should not wear any mask for more than 30 minutes. After half an hour passes, they recommend that people take off their masks for a minute or two before wearing them again. This uncomfortable feeling has made it hard to make it to that 30-minute recommended limit, increasing the chances of spreading the disease.
But it is important to note here that quality masks do not pose issues. That is why it is essential to purchasing these masks from the right distributors. If you can access it from the right providers, you can have quality protection that makes a significant difference.
If you want to reduce your chances of contracting this disease, the KN95 mask is a worthy mask to purchase. They are efficient, affordable, and easy to use.
Also, remember the 30-minute recommendation when wearing this mask. Taking it off at intervals can help you feel less tired and increase the amount of time you wear this mask.
