- Feb 5, 2002
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Quoting because it deserves repeating.A bit of a vent, or maybe a rant. I'm not really sure.
I have run some family shopping errands the last few days. It seems everywhere I go I see people wearing masks and gloves and I have to bite my tongue to not say anything, like you are stupid. They have their noses hanging out of the masks, gaps around the sides. The masks are usually dust masks or cloth masks. I shake my head and hold my superior thoughts to myself. If you have not moved to the next post already, I will explain why.
I am not an industrial hygienist, but part of my job involves wearing PPE from time to time. I am certified to operate in Level A (the space suit looking things), Level B (air tank on your back), and Level C (full face respirator). I select the PPE gear my crew uses and I conduct fit testing to make sure it works properly. I also train people how to properly put on and take off gear (donning and doffing). The N95 mask should or could protect the wearer from the virus, but only if it is fitted properly, worn properly, and removed properly. The N95 mask was not designed to be reused. Moisture is not its friend as moisture causes fiber expansion in the layers thereby reducing effectiveness. What about cloth masks, I can wash those, right? Yes, you can wash them, but those are not able to significantly (statistical sense) reduce exposure to something as small as this virus. Cloth masks do have value in that if you are sick; they will help to reduce the amount of virus you spew out, especially when you cough. But gloves will help, right? Sure, but only if you wear them and remove them properly all the while not cross contaminating unprotected areas (like rubbing your eye). There is a specific procedure to be used when removing disposable gloves and my bet is most do not follow it.
So if read this far you are probably wondering if I have anything helpful to say or if I am just out to find fault. Here are some things that everyone can do that will help: Wash your hands with soap and do so properly; soap destroys the outer coating of the virus. High humidity helps to shorten the time the virus is able to stay floating in the air. Keep your distance from others; remember the virus will not cross intact skin, it needs a mucus membrane. Consider washing your clothes as soon as you come home; admittedly this is a maybe since it is not clearly known how much of the virus might be on your clothing. Disinfecting incoming packages and such may have value, if you are properly using an effective product. Respect the infirm and the elderly as if infected it will likely go much worse for them. Eat properly and maintain your physical and emotional health. To me the most important thing any of us can do for our countries is to stay health and become an additional draw on the medical system.
We all want to feel like we are doing something to help and I am sure that those folks wearing masks improperly and the like feel like they are doing something to help and protect themselves. I think a better option would be to become educated on the issue from sound government and research sources and keep away from the internet naysayers. Follow best practices and take care of your families so that you all stay healthy. Finally, and this should go unspoken given the venue, pray often and with vigor.
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