FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Reports from the United States and Iceland suggest that up to 25 to 50% of people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still spread the virus. It is essential that everyone protects the environment they find themselves in by wearing masks, which in turn helps our health system.
The Government of Canada is requiring all travelers to wear a mask to cover their mouth and nose to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most provincial governments have made it mandatory to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
In June, the World Health Organization recommended the use of three-layer masks.
In November, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer recommended that Canadians choose non-medical three-layer masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
3 (three) ply means that a mask has three distinct layers which have specific spots.
Outer Layer: Repels all fluids, regardless of size, that are suspended in the air.
Middle layer: filters all germs
Inner Layer: Absorbs any moisture leaving your mouth or any that may have passed through the first two layers.
To get the best protection from our masks, please follow the steps below.
First wash your hands. Remove the mask from its box and hold your mask so that the colored side is facing out and the adjustable nose strap is on top.
Make sure the hair is away from your face. Hold the mask by the earrings and wrap it behind your ears. Secure comfortably.
To adapt the mask to your face, mold the adjustable band over the bridge of your nose and pull the bottom of the mask under your chin.
Make sure the mask completely covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
Unbeknownst to many, masks that do not explicitly state that they are latex and fiberglass free contain such allergens and irritants. These masks often cause significant short-term discomfort and dangerous long-term side effects including but not limited to facial rashes, dry mouth, difficulty breathing, etc.
Fiberglass is a proven irritant to the skin, nose and throat and a cause of dyspnea because it attacks the respiratory system [1]. When inhaled, large fibers are trapped in the upper respiratory tract while smaller fibers can be inhaled deep into the lungs. While some fibers are eliminated by coughing, sneezing and the body's defense mechanism, fibers can remain in the lung and / or chest areas [2]. In addition, the eyes may become red and itchy [3].
Although we encounter natural latex in many everyday items, prolonged exposure to latex can lead to the development of a latex allergy [4].
Allergic reactions to latex range from hives, rashes and itching; respiratory effects include nasal congestion, asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock [5].
Non-medical grade masks only prevent droplets from exiting the wearer's mouth. Especially when used without a suitable filter, they only reduce the volume of aerosols and microorganisms released [6]. Unless made of a suitable material, non-medical grade masks can not only be ineffective, but also harmful to the wearer. On June 12, 2020, the World Health Organization updated its guideline for the use of 3-layer masks and is expected to include a non-woven polypropylene filter layer [7].
Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer's respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases or vapors. Respirators and filters should be selected based on the hazards present [8].
Medical grade masks are tested vigorously and are certified to ASTM, an internationally recognized organization founded in 1898 that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of material.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0288.html
[2]https://www.doh.wa.gov/communityandenvironment/airquality/indoorair/fiberglass
[3] http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/fiberglass.htm
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-113/
[5] https://acaai.org/allergies/types/latex-allergy#:~:text=Latex%20allergy%20symptoms%20may%20include,exposure%20to%20latex%20containing%20products.
[6] https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/surgical_mask.html
[7] https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/risk-comms-updates/update-30-use-of-masks.pdf?sfvrsn=eeb24c14_2
[8] https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/surgical_mask.html
[9] https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/the-4-fs-of-medical-mask-selection.html#:~:text=ASTM%20level%201%20masks%20are,of%20aerosols%2C%20sprays%20and%20fluids.