N95 face mask the one to choose in light of haze, medical professionals advise (Video)

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Which face mask type should one buy to protect against the harmful effects of haze? The N95 mask provides optimal protection, as opposed to the normal surgical mask, pharmacist Rachel Tan explains.

KUCHING: As the air quality in Sarawak continues to deteriorate, members of the public are advised to use the right face mask type to protect themselves against the effects of the haze.

“The most popular ones bought by our customers are surgical masks and the N95 face masks which filters airborne particles. Surgical masks are more popular because they are much cheaper than the N95,” said Rachel Tan, a pharmacist with KinCentre Pharmacy located at King’s Centre, Jalan Simpang Tiga here.

Despite being cheaper in price, Tan revealed that surgical masks are less effective as the mask is actually meant for surgery and has hydrophobic effects, but does not to filter fine particles and harmful substances in the air.

The N95 mask on the other hand although is more specialised – it can filter out up to 95 per cent of harmful particles – does not give its users as much comfort when used.

Haze is made of mostly harmful substances under 2.5 microns and will easily penetrate a surgical mask, but will be stopped by a N95 mask if worn properly.

“Those who use the N95 face masks might find it harder to breathe when using it due to the fact that are has no air holes on its side. This is why it is less popular but the public should know, this is the best mask for protection against the effects of the haze,” she said.

Although the surgical mask is used for filtration purposes, it does not fully protect a person from airborne germs or particles like the N95 mask.

The coloured side (normally blue or green) of a surgical mask is known as the hydrophobic side and is supposed to protect its user from liquids which could splash on to the user’s face, thus preventing infection.

The non-coloured side (normally white) contains a filter, thus prevents germs from spreading if a user has a flu or cough or any other airborne illnesses.

Although there are many questions raised on which side faces out, it is the coloured side of the surgical mask that should be worn facing out, and it can be used for up to an hour before it loses its efficiency.

A check conducted by The Borneo Post on a few pharmacies around Kuching and Samarahan today also found that certain masks such as the N95 are out of stock in some pharmacies visited in the two divisions.

According to Tan, not all pharmacies are facing a shortage of the N95 mask, as most pharmacies in Sarawak knew very well to order their stocks in advance in preparation for the annual haze season.