What should I do with the used masks? In the past two days, people have continuously reposted "used masks, which are covered with bacteria and viruses, and it is recommended not to discard them at random". The solution is to "get scalded with water, burn it at a fixed point, cut it and throw it away". Are these reliable? Talking about the hazards of used masks, disease control experts say that the used masks may indeed carry a lot of microorganisms, such as Viruses, oral bacteria, etc. These microorganisms may not only originate from the outside world, but are absorbed on the outer surface of the mask by inhalation. They may also be adsorbed on the inner surface of the mask by exhalation because the user carries bacteria and viruses. Therefore, the used mask may have a great risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended that when removing the mask, do not touch the outer surface of the mask, because it may infect yourself; do not touch the inner surface of the mask (self is a patient), because it may infect others; do not touch others who have used it Masks, because they may cross-infect; do not put them directly in bags, pockets, etc., because there may be a risk of persistent infection.
What about used masks?
Boiling water? High temperature is indeed a method of disinfection, such as boiling, and it is simple and easy to operate. However, if you use a boiling water mask, you must place the mask on the container or countertop to avoid contaminating the container or countertop. Secondly, boiling water can not meet the continuous high temperature required for disinfection and the time is not enough. It may only kill some pathogens . Therefore, boiled water treatment is not recommended.
Incineration? Similarly, the principle of incineration is also high temperature disinfection. However, incineration will pollute the environment in the first place, and it will cause potential safety hazards in the second, and there is no such fixed place in the third. Therefore, personal incineration is not recommended.
Throw it away after shredding? Although the starting point for shredding the mask to prevent it from being recycled by people with ulterior motives is good, there is a great risk of infection. Therefore, shredding is also not recommended.
Experts suggest that, whether you go to a hospital or visit a patient, all masks used in medical institutions should be directly put into medical waste garbage bags. These masks, as medical waste, will be centrally disposed by professional disposal agencies. People who are suspected of having an infectious disease should hand over the used masks to the corresponding staff during medical treatment or investigation and disposal as medical waste. For people with fever, cough, sputum, sneezing and other symptoms, or people who have been in contact with such people, it is recommended to throw the mask to the trash first, and then use 5% 84 disinfectant according to the 1:99 ratio. Sprinkle on the mask for treatment. If there is no disinfectant, you can also use a sealed bag / fresh-keeping bag, seal the mask and throw it into the trash. For ordinary people, because of the low risk, the used masks can be directly thrown into the trash. After handling the mask, remember to wash your hands carefully.