Wearing face masks is now a requirement for South Africans, as we continue our fight against Covid-19. This follows the wearing of facemasks being made mandatory as of May 1.
Since face masks were made mandatory, the marketplace has been flooded with businesses trying to break into the industry. However, there appears to be a misperception around a product that can protect you and a fashion statement, especially when looking at cloth/material masks.
So how safe are cloth masks?
According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Fabric or ‘cloth masks’ do not fall in the same category as surgical or medical masks.
In the guidelines released by the department, it is stated that fabric/cloth masks cannot prevent the risk of contracting the virus in aerosol form (as found in a contaminated atmosphere). In order for the mask to be effective, the mask requires the presence of very fine and highly specialised filters capable of trapping microscopic viral particles.
Furthermore, the design of fabric masks should be mindful of the thermo-physiological properties of fabrics. If wrongly chosen, fabric masks can lead to problems such as skin irritation, the build-up of heat or moisture, or the incubation of bacteria.
When it comes to cloth masks, the DTIC’s guidelines shows there is a process to follow when making the masks.
Fabric Selection for Fabric Masks
- Tests have shown that at least two layers of fabric is sufficient for balancing performance and comfort.
- An increase in the number of layers will improve the barrier efficiency, but have the opposite effect on breathability.
- Using three layers, selecting a non-woven (or similar) fabric with strong filtering capability (barrier efficiency) as the middle layer (with the accompanying inner and outer layers providing comfort, structure, and some additional protection) is recommended. Ideally, this middle layer (filter) should be inserted into the mask (or removed) via an ‘envelope’ style design to allow for improved cleaning and easy replacement filters when worn out. It is also recommended that the pocket into which it fits be at least 120 mm by 100 mm to ensure compatibility between multiple masks and filters in production domestically. Clear markings or design options must be used to distinguish between the outside of the mask and the inside of the mask.
However, not everyone selling fabric masks meets these requirements.
Furthermore, social media is becoming a marketplace for those taking advantage of the need for face masks. Not a day goes by where someone isn’t attempting to sell unaccredited cloth face masks. Some people are often charging exorbitant prices, with pricing exceeding the cost of accredited masks such as FFP (“Filtering Facepiece Particles”) and surgical masks.
A price list for PPE shows that the government intends to pay a maximum of R20 each for two-layer fabric masks, and R25 each for three-layer masks. The National Treasury claims these prices reflect realistic current market prices.
With the marketplace being flooded by face masks that are over-priced and do not meet the necessary requirements, dealing with suppliers that sell accredited face masks is becoming more and more important as the virus spreads.
Accredited surgical and medical face masks have several rankings, ensuring that people are safer than when using cloth masks
For example, an FFP mask (“Filtering Facepiece Particles”) is an individual respiratory protection mask.
It is developed as per regulated standards and is designed to protect the wearer against the inhalation of both droplets and particles suspended in the air.
Protecting wearers from inhaling infectious pathogens, it is available in shell, 2-ply, 3-ply and duckbill shapes.
There are also three available categories, according to their effectiveness:
FFP1
FFP1 are respirator masks. This means they are made of a fabric designed to filter the air or impurities. They are based on a grading system and protects people against materials in concentrations up to 4x OEL or 4x APF (assigned protection factor).
FFP2
FFP2 masks offer more protection than FFP1, at concentrations up to 12x OEL or 10x APF. They are the European equivalent of the N95 respirator masks used in the US. This kind of mask meets the requirements from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
FFP3
These masks offer the highest level of protection, protecting people against materials in concentrations up to 50x OEL or 20x APF. They can block both liquid and solid aerosols.
Current NHS guidelines stipulate FFP3 face masks for virus and bacterial infection control, especially when the contagion is spread through coughing and sneezing.
With this in mind, an accredited product is vital to ensuring you receive a mask you can trust. Be sure to acquire your face masks from those who adhere to strict regulations. Ensuring you safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and the community in the fight against Covid-19.
If you are aware of anyone selling overpriced face masks, be sure to contact the COVID-19 hotline for undue price increases on 0800 141 880.
We must all adhere to the Government’s instruction of wearing a face mask when out in public. But, be sure you are wearing a product which actually can protect you, without breaking the bank.
