Image courtesy of i3 Biomedical Inc. (https://i3biomedical.com)
Covid-19 is causing massive disruption in terms of its spread and fatalities. Globally, every country is struggling to introduce new ways to combat the coronavirus.
According to researchers at the University of Toronto, and based on their latest laboratory results, they have confirmed that a face mask created by i3 Biomedical Inc., can deactivate the coronavirus. Operated by the U of T department of molecular genetics, in the Faculty of Medicine, the independent tests were headed by Professor Scott Gray-Owen. The state-of-the-art containment level 3 (CL3) lab was approached by i3 Biomedical Inc, to perform and test the efficacy of the new PPE mask.
The Quebec-based company released the mask on July 7th of this year. It is claimed as the world’s first anti-viral face mask. On the company website, it is sold under the trade name TrioMed™ Active Mask.
The idea behind this mask:
Since the start of the pandemic, many textile and technical industries have accelerated their production for PPEs and face masks. Most of the companies have used creative solutions such as lamination and coating technologies to create chemical and biological protection for individuals.
However, not all masks are created equal in stopping Covid-19. For example, there are huge protection differences between your typical fabric masks and the N95 masks.
N95 masks were capable of giving maximum protection against Covid-19, but they weren’t washable, which made them high on cost.
While fabric masks were washable, but they did not have enough capacity to protect against COVID-19.
The health field needed a product that could address these issues.
How can these new masks deactivate the virus?
The company says about the TrioMed™ Active Mask,
“We do not claim for these masks to kill the coronavirus, but still, it can deactivate this virus.”
Image courtesy of i3 Biomedical Inc. (https://i3biomedical.com)
How does it work?
This mask works on the same principle as washing your hands with soap. There are chemical reactions in regular soap which can easily deactivate the coronavirus present on your hands, fingers, and even body.
This company implemented the same idea into these face masks. They impregnated some specific chemicals into the face masks material to deactivate the virus.
The company went to three or four chemical manufacturing companies who were claiming to have products for deactivation of the virus.
These products were anti-microbial, but they were successful in deactivating the covid-19 virus as well.
The chemical which the company used is called HeiQ Viroblock. They combined it with other chemicals and fused it into the top fabric layer of the mask.
What are the other benefits of these masks?
Benefits and the features of the face mask include:
VFE (Viral filtration Efficiency) of more than 99.99 percent
BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) of over 99.99 percent
Active protection against microbes with an outer layer of masks is more than 99.99 percent
Meets Level 3 of ASTM F2100
Can easily meet the EN 14683 Type IIR European Medical Device Standard
This mask has five years of shelf-life
The cost of this mask is not high to make it available for the use of a common man.
According to the manufacturer, coronavirus takes about 3-5 minutes for deactivation.
Both polyester and cotton are used in the manufacturing of this mask. The most inner layer of the mask is of cotton. The next layer contains a chemical protection filter layer not to make contact with the skin. The outer layer of the mask comprises the HeiQ Viroblock layer of chemicals.
The TrioMed™ Active Mask is designed for one time single use. It is non-washable, and considered a medical mask. It is projected to be used within a typical 8hr shift.
Conclusion:
Virus Disinfecting Services (VDS™) will be providing these new masks to all of the service technicians and field agents. With the latest technical achievements in the biomedical sector, these masks will help create another layer of protection to all employees, the health care professionals and laboratory technicians to fight against COVID-19 outbreaks. The new face mask is cost-effective, innovative, and capable of deactivating coronavirus.
We all know about the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Being in a pandemic is scary for many of us out there. The media, medical, and government officials have all asked us to remain indoors, not to touch our face, and to wash our hands regularly.
Due to social distancing and protecting yourself and others around you, people are now seen wearing masks. These masks are of different make and material. Very few people are aware of what type of mask to wear. Let us first discuss the different types of masks available on the market.
TYPES OF MASKS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS
The main reason to wear a mask to protect our nose and mouth from the virus. It means that it protects us from the sneeze and cough droplets of a sick person. Wearing a mask prevents the droplets from landing on surfaces and other people. However, not all masks are useful for this purpose. Let us have a look at what is best during the pandemic
Homemade masks
These masks are those made out of cloth. Many people are teaching how to make masks at home. However, are these effective? CDC recommends that you can wear cloth masks in a public environment. It applies the same for a place where people cannot maintain social distance. You must wash this mask regularly.
Surgical masks
These are green colored three-ply masks available in the market. You must have seen doctors wearing them all the time. Sick people and their caretakers must wear these masks at all times. It protects the sick people from spreading the germs to healthy ones. However, an ill-fitted surgical mask can allow the virus to enter your airway.
N95 respirator
Health care workers must wear this mask at all times. This is because of their constant exposure to sick people. It blocks 95% of the germs from entering into the airway.
NOT ALL MASKS ARE THE SAME
Studying about the masks, we know that N95 masks are the best options. However, the CDC recommends that the public should not use these masks. It is because of the shortage of N95 masks for health care workers. It is also essential to know the right practices to wear and remove the mask to make it more effective. Remember that not wearing a mask the right way, always leaves a chance to contract an infection.
THE RIGHT PROCEDURE TO WEAR AND REMOVE A MASK
Wash your hands before wearing a mask. Fix the loops on your ears. Bend the metallic strip (if available) over the bridge of your nose to fit it. Pull the mask so that it completely covers your chin. Make sure that your masks fit perfectly. Do not touch the mask after it is in position. Replace the mask after a day.
When you wish to remove the mask, wash your hands. Never touch the mask. You can handle it from the loops. Dispose of the used masks in a covered trash can and wash your hands.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF DURING PANDEMIC?
If you follow these steps, then there is a high chance that you will not be one of the patients during this pandemic.
Stay at home. We cannot emphasize this enough. Only leave your homes in case of emergency
Wash your hands with soap and water. An alcohol-based sanitizer can be an alternative to washing your hands.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands.
