TAIPEI - Taiwan's government-monitored mask production has grown steadily to keep residents supplied with at least three disposable masks a week, but before manufacturers can take on a bigger production load, the health authorities have announced ways to make a mask last for as long as possible.
"Starting April 9, people can buy nine masks every 14 days, which should be enough. But we're still hoping that everyone could use them sparingly, so the Food and Drug Administration has provided a way to extend the lifespan of a mask," said Mr Chen, who proceeded to demonstrate how to disinfect a medical-grade mask using the steamer.
Said FDA director-general Wu Shou-mei:"We're reminding everyone not to add water, as this will damage the layer with static electricity. As for those asking if rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect , it's actually not the best because this affects the same layer, too." "If a mask is visibly soiled or has any tears or rips, we suggest just throwing it away. For people with respiratory or chronic illnesses and those visiting hospitals, masks should be discarded after one use," Ms Wu added.
In the experiments, the masks retained up to 99 per cent of its original Bacterial Filtration Efficiency after three to five steams, said Ms Wu. Prof Lai said:"The inner pot will reach 165 deg C and will kill the bacteria we want to kill, while the steam itself is 110 deg C. If you're worried you can wash the pot afterwards."Prof Lai said they might be worth a try if the temperature can be controlled at 110 deg C, but warned that microwaving a mask might set it on fire.
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Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »