Do masks need to be disinfected and thrown away after use? What is the best way to deal with used masks?

With the outbreak of Wuhan pneumonia, masks have become a popular item, and almost everyone wears masks. We all know that masks are disposable and must be thrown away after use. So do masks need to be disinfected and thrown away after use? Let's take a closer look!

Do I need to cut up the used masks and disinfect and throw them away?

Do not cut them into pieces! Used masks carry a lot of germs and droplets. Spray them with 75% medical alcohol and put them in a sealed garbage bag for disposal.

Medical masks have three layers. The blue side is the contaminated side after wearing, and the middle is the adsorption layer. After cutting them into pieces, the virus will stick to your hands. So don't cut them into pieces!

After using the mask, do not touch the blue side with your hands, and be sure to wash your hands after removing it!

If the virus is not in the human body, it will be inactivated in less than a few hours. Therefore, it is enough to make the mask show signs of use to avoid being reused by unscrupulous merchants.

In fact, there is no need to cut it into pieces. When cutting, human contact will increase the risk of infection! After cutting, you still need to handle it, don't just throw it away. So instead of cutting it into pieces, you can use the following methods to handle it (just suggestions):

1. In the hospital, there are special trash cans.

2. Alcohol sterilization

3. High temperature sterilization

How to deal with used masks

Do not throw away used masks randomly: fold them in half with the mouth and nose facing outwards; tidy up the ear straps; continue to fold them twice and tie them into shape; please dispose of them with medical waste or discard them in a place that will not harm yourself, others or the environment.

In the context of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, how should a large number of discarded masks be handled? An infection control expert from a third-level hospital in Nanjing said that for the general public, masks and tissues containing sputum should be sealed in a special garbage bag and sprayed with 84 disinfectant. Yao Xin believes that high temperature and medical 75% alcohol can kill the novel coronavirus. In addition to 84 disinfectant, it is also recommended to disinfect with alcohol spray, seal it in a bag and then discard it.

During the interview, many experts in Jiangsu suggested that, at present, ordinary citizens cannot judge whether they have been exposed to the new coronavirus. At present, the community can be guided by grassroots medical institutions. During special periods, some special medical yellow trash cans can be set up in residential areas or public places for centralized disposal, and relevant departments can arrange professional personnel to handle them regularly.

Attention! According to the authoritative explanation of the relevant municipal departments: it is most appropriate to throw away masks and dry garbage at home and incinerate them daily; the long storage period of hazardous waste collection points for daily life garbage is not suitable. There are special channels for medical waste in the epidemic area.

Sincere reminder: In the coming period, a large number of disposable masks covered with saliva, bacteria and even viruses will appear in the trash cans of various cities. It is recommended that you do not discard them at will, but boil them with boiling water before throwing them away, or burn them at designated locations. Do not let the masks that are supposed to protect our health become new virus carriers!

How to wear a mask

1. Distinguish between the outside and the inside

Judging from the wrinkles of the mask, the wrinkles downwards are outside, and the wrinkles upwards are inside.

Why is it important to distinguish between the outside and the inside? Because the outside of the mask is mainly a water-blocking layer, which can prevent foreign droplets and liquid splashes, while the inside is mainly a moisture-absorbing layer, which can absorb the water vapor generated when we breathe and talk when wearing it, making it more comfortable to wear.

If you wear it upside down, think about it, will the mask absorb the droplets sprayed by others?

2. Distinguish the upper and lower sides of the mask

After you understand the outside and the inside, it is easier to distinguish the top and the bottom. Remember, the side with the metal strip is always on the top.

3. How to wear

①Please wash your hands before wearing a mask!

②After putting on the mask, pull the lower end of the mask down to the chin to cover the entire chin.

③Press the nose clip of the soft metal strip to make it fit the bridge of your nose.

④ Check again whether you are wearing it properly.

In addition, there are also some tips for removing the mask:

1. Do not touch the outer side of the mask with your hands;

2. If it is a mask with ties, untie the bottom strap first, then untie the top strap;

3. Pinch the mask strap or ear strap with your fingers and throw it into the trash can;

4. Be sure to wash your hands after throwing away the mask!

When do you need to wear a mask?

When you need to go to crowded places, such as supermarkets, amusement parks, and shopping malls;

When going to the hospital for medical treatment or visiting patients, especially in the respiratory or infectious department;

It is recommended to wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or if your immunity is poor.