After nearly three years of COVID-19, domestic masks were once out of stock. However, with the unblocking of borders and life gradually returning to normal, it is time for the public to check whether the stocks at home have expired, because the protective power of masks will wear off with time. Intensivist Huang Xuan reminded everyone on Facebook that in addition to the expiration of vaccines, most people may not know that masks will actually expire.
Germany destroyed a total of 800 million expired masks in early October, including 730 million surgical masks and 60 million expired FFP-2 masks. Huang Xuan explained on Facebook yesterday (17th) that the reason why the German government destroyed a large number of masks , because most masks were produced in March 2020. And when the epidemic broke out, Germany also spent 6 billion euros (about NT$187 billion) to buy masks, indicating that the useless masks will expire!
Huang Xuan pointed out that the electrostatic melt-blown cloth attached to the three-layer design of the mask can filter bacteria or viruses that may be inhaled, but the static electricity will gradually lose over time, thereby affecting the protective power of the mask. According to a study by the University of Minnesota, the maintenance of electrostatic strength in electrostatic cotton is related to the storage time and environment, so if the storage location is “higher in temperature and humidity”, the rate of electrostatic loss will be higher.
Huang Xuan said that general surgical masks have a shelf life of about 2 to 3 years, and N95 masks have a shelf life of about 3 to 5 years. The shelf life of each mask is different. It is recommended that everyone pay attention to the date printed on the box. However, some experts believe that even if the shelf life is exceeded, it does not mean that the mask will lose all protection immediately, but the expired mask may not provide 100% of the original protection effect, that is, the epidemic prevention effect is reduced.
Finally, Huang Xuan reminded that no matter whether the mask has expired or not, it is best to avoid using it once you find that the mask you wear has an odor, or is stained, damp, deformed, or damaged.
More Mirror Weekly coverage
[There is a film]A senior Chinese official was caught and raped in the palace of the bed and beat up his cheating husband!Ripped clothes, “tortured” and stabbed
Husband stole a married female colleague, opened a house, fought and broke down
Politics is too toxic!Swedish environmental protection girl: she will not be in politics in the future
The latest local epidemic
Detected 3 new mutant strains “fear of becoming the mainstream of the next wave” 5 key points to watch at a time
Luo Yijun, a new variant of border interception: the next generation can stop
Su Kui responded that high-end travel to Japan requires self-funded PCR
Japan does not admit that high-end vaccine Gao Jiayu spoke harshly to the Ministry of Health and Welfare
Can an expired mask still be used?Critical care doctor: “Electrostatic loss” may reduce protection