What kind of masks are unqualified? How to tell whether disposable medical masks are qualified?

Masks can prevent the human body from inhaling viruses and bacteria, and to a certain extent can prevent infection with the new coronavirus and reduce the chance of getting sick. Due to the high demand for masks, many people have begun to sell counterfeit masks. So what does an unqualified mask look like? Let's take a closer look!

What does it look like if a mask fails to meet the standards?

Generally speaking, masks are divided into three types: medical masks, protective masks, and ordinary gauze masks. The country has formulated strict standards for these three types of masks. In addition to strict requirements on the thickness, number of layers, density, breathability and other indicators of these masks, it is also stipulated that the chemical composition of the masks must be strictly tested. If chemical components such as formaldehyde and soluble aromatic ammonia exceed the standard, it will cause damage to the human body.

The results of the supervision and inspection conducted by the Provincial Quality Supervision Bureau not long ago showed that the unqualified masks mainly did not meet the standards for pH, basic size, number of layers and logo. Excessive pH of masks will create conditions for bacteria that adapt to different environments to grow, which will harm human health. The number of layers and basic size of masks do not meet the requirements. The main reason is that some manufacturers use scraps to reduce costs, the middle layer of the mask has half a layer or splicing, and some are too small. Some companies do not pay attention to signs and logos, the content of the logo is incomplete, and the production batch number is not indicated. The above consumers are likely to have bought unqualified products. If you keep the invoice or the specific address of the seller, you can report it to the relevant department.

What to do if you buy unqualified masks

If you buy unqualified masks, it is best to report it in time to avoid further harm.

Don’t buy masks from those who are not qualified to sell medical equipment, those who are not qualified to sell industrial equipment, those who fail to deliver as promised, those who have removed all products from the shelves and become empty stores, those who have increased prices (including those who advertise that they have not increased prices but have actually increased prices), or those who advertise that they are not “N95” masks. If you find that there are WeChat merchants or purchasing agents selling fake masks in your circle of friends, please report these bad merchants to prevent more people from being hurt.

How to identify counterfeit and inferior masks

1. Look at the packaging

Before buying a mask, you should first observe the outer packaging of the mask, and the outer packaging box cannot be overlooked. The outer packaging boxes have descriptions in Chinese and English. The outer packaging of counterfeit and shoddy masks is relatively thin. Generally, there are color-changing anti-counterfeiting labels on the packaging boxes of regular masks.

2. Look at the shape

The design shape of regular masks is designed according to the human face shape, making it more comfortable for the wearer and fitting closely to the face, with very few gaps and external exposure. However, counterfeit and shoddy masks have inappropriate designs, do not conform to the design of the human face, and are not accurate or tight when worn.

3. Smell

Generally, regular masks are non-toxic and odorless. If you open the mask and find a strong pungent smell, it is likely to be a counterfeit or shoddy product. Some regular masks have a slight odor due to some rubber materials. If you find a slight odor, you can also let the mask sit in a clean and ventilated environment for a while and the smell will dissipate.

4. Touch the metal sheet of the mask

The metal nose clip on the genuine mask is very tightly attached to the surface of the mask. No matter how you press the metal sheet, the genuine mask will not crack. It is tightly attached to the fabric without any gaps. Pressing the metal sheet on a fake mask will cause it to come off, revealing a large gap. If the mask is loose or has gaps when you pull it with your hand, it is probably a fake.

How to wear a mask better

The thin medical surgical mask has three layers. The outer layer has a water-blocking effect to prevent droplets from entering the mask; the middle layer has a filtering effect, and the filtering efficiency of the mask should be no less than 95%; the inner layer near the mouth and nose is used to absorb moisture. Experts remind that the light-colored side of the medical surgical mask should be against the mouth and nose, and the dark side should face outward. Note that the part with the metal strip should be on the top of the mask, and do not wear it upside down. When wearing it, distinguish the front, back, top and bottom of the mask, wash your hands, and hang the ropes at both ends on your ears. Finally, press the metal strips on both sides of the bridge of the nose with your hands to make the upper end of the mask close to the bridge of the nose, and then stretch the mask downwards so that there are no wrinkles on the mask and it covers the nose and mouth.

When taking off the mask, try not to touch the outside of the mask, and remember to wash your hands immediately after taking off the mask. Masks worn by ordinary people during normal activities, such as taking public transportation, shopping in supermarkets, and other daily activities, are unlikely to carry the new coronavirus and do not need to be disinfected after use. Masks worn by suspected patients with symptoms such as fatigue and fever should be collected and treated as medical waste.