N-95 masks with respiratory valves banned in hospitals
   Date :31-Jul-2020

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Staff Reporter ;
 
The State Health Department has imposed a ban on wearing N-95 masks with respiratory valves in the hospitals and at medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh. In a letter issued to all deans of medical colleges of State and to all CMHOs, the department while citing guidelines of Union Health Ministry banned the use of N-95 masks with respiratory valves.
 
The letter reads, although the respiratory valves protect those wearing the masks, but people around the user could be at high risk of contacting the infection. Directorate of Health Services (Madhya Pradesh) has recommended the use of face masks without valves. According to the experts, the N-95 masks with valves are recommended when pollution levels are high because they do not allow carbon dioxide to accumulate inside the face cover.
 
But the same valve, used for exhalation, can act as an easy passage for germs and endanger those around the user of the mask, provided the user has infection. While all masks filter the air but those without valves also trap most germs coming out with exhalation, protecting people around those wearing them. The Union Ministry too has issued advisory asking people to avoid wearing N-95 masks, which are used as part of personal protection equipment kit for healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 cases.