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Can nonwoven masks be reused?How many microorganisms will be adsorbed by wearing a mask for a day

During the epidemic, in order to avoid the spread of the virus, everyone has become accustomed to wearing non-woven masks. Although wearing a mask can effectively prevent the spread of the virus, do you think wearing a mask can give you peace of mind?

Test result

The Straits Times recently collaborated with the local Eurofins laboratory to study how many microorganisms are attached to non-woven masks when worn for a long time, and the results are unsettling and itchy.

Research from Eurofins laboratory shows that the longer a non-woven mask is repeatedly worn, the higher the amount of bacteria, mold, and yeast inside the mask will increase.

Test record

The experiment was conducted on disposable and reusable masks for six and twelve hours respectively, recording the occurrence of bacteria, yeast, mold, Staphylococcus aureus (a common fungus that can cause skin infections), and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (a fungus that causes skin rashes) during this period, and then comparing them.

The experiment recorded bacteria, yeast and mold, Staphylococcus aureus, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens separately.

Dr. John Common, a dermatologist at the Singapore Institute of Science and Technology, said in an interview that Staphylococcus aureus may produce some harmful toxins to humans.

These bacteria can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or by using contaminated items.

Therefore, this fungus is classified as a pathogenic organism, which means that this fungus, which often appears in healthy populations, can also cause harm to the human body to some extent.

Agrobacterium is another type of bacteria that can parasitize on the skin and cause harm to the human body.

Fortunately, no Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells were found in any of the tested mask samples.

Twelve hour experiment

Not surprisingly, researchers found that the total number of yeast, mold, and other bacteria on masks worn for twelve hours was higher than on masks worn for only six hours.

Wearing a non-woven mask for twelve hours resulted in significantly higher bacterial levels compared to six hours.

It is worth noting that the study found that reusable masks generally contain more microorganisms than disposable non-woven masks.

Further testing is currently needed to determine whether other microorganisms and bacteria attached to the mask may cause diseases or skin conditions.

Local microbiologists told The Straits Times in an interview that the warm and humid environment inside all masks is often conducive to the growth of microorganisms, but not all of these microorganisms are harmful.

Yeast and mold

Professor Chen Weining, Director of the Food Technology Program at Nanyang Technological University, said in an interview:

Due to the presence of microorganisms in our surrounding environment and digestive system (such as the mouth and intestines), it is not surprising to find these microorganisms and bacteria on masks.

Dr. Li Wenjian, Dean of the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at Nanyang Technological Institute, stated that the materials used in these masks can trap a certain amount of bacteria after twelve hours of use.

He pointed out that the biggest difference between disposable non-woven masks and reusable masks is the lining fabric closest to the mouth. He said:

The lining fabric closest to the mouth is where bacteria remain when we sneeze or cough. When we wear a mask and speak, our saliva will be atomized and attached to this fabric

Dr. Li added that compared to reusable woven masks, disposable non-woven masks can provide better breathability and bacterial filtration function. The fiber space of woven masks is relatively large, so the bacterial filtration performance is not as good.

Therefore, if reusable masks are not cleaned regularly, it can cause dust, dirt, sweat, and other microorganisms (including bacteria) to accumulate inside and outside the mask.

These are likely to cause allergies, skin irritation, or infections.

Dr. Chen, an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Yang Luling Medical College of National University of China, told reporters that in the “vast majority of cases”, bacteria on masks do not cause too serious consequences, but occasional “opportunistic infections” may occur.

A dirty mask that hasn’t been cleaned for a week

These bacteria that parasitize on the skin can multiply massively on dirty masks and cause diseases. Dr. Chen said:

When the number of bacteria is low, the immune system will control them. Once the number is high, it may cause mild to severe allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and even nasal infections.

Dr. Chen pointed out that it is difficult to determine whether harmful bacteria remain on masks, so it is recommended that people regularly clean their masks or wash them after wearing them for a day.

Do you still dare to slack off and not change to non-woven masks when you see these “suddenly visible” bacteria on the masks?

Dongguan Liansheng Non woven Technology Co., Ltd. was established in May 2020. It is a large-scale non-woven fabric production enterprise integrating research and development, production, and sales. It can produce various colors of PP spunbond non-woven fabrics with a width of less than 3.2 meters from 9 grams to 300 grams.


Post time: Aug-21-2024