There are many types of masks, and a study published in an authoritative American journal found that medical masks and N95 masks are similarly effective in preventing epidemics.
As for general activated carbon masks, they have a porous structure and their main function is to remove organic vapors and adsorb odors, such as toluene vapors from gasoline or odors from paint, but they do not have the function of blocking bacterial penetration. Moreover, the quality of activated carbon masks varies greatly, and some masks have only a thin layer, which is even less effective in preventing virus invasion.
However, although wearing a mask can reduce droplet infections from sneezing or coughing, a 2016 survey in the UK showed that people touch their faces an average of 23 times per hour.
It is best to wash your hands before putting on the mask. The mask should cover your nose, mouth and chin completely, and the metal piece should be pressed down against the bridge of your nose. After putting on the mask, do not touch the surface of the mask and then use your hands to touch your nose and mouth or rub your eyes. If you have a cough or runny nose, put the mask in a zip-lock bag and dispose of it in a covered garbage can, especially when you go to the hospital or visit a doctor. Wash your hands immediately after throwing away your mask.
Proper use of a mask can reduce the chance of infection from hand to mouth, but in addition, it is more important to prevent infection by washing your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more, about the length of a Happy Birthday song, and avoiding rubbing your eyes and pressing your nose with your hands as much as possible.
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