What are the dangers of wearing a mask

 

How long do you usually wear one mask a day? Did you know there are many risks of danger if a mask is worn for too long? Find out more about this danger, come on!

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic until now, every time you want to leave the house, it's no longer just a smartphone, wallet, or key that you check so you don't get left behind. But one that is also important is the mask. Wearing a mask or other face covering helps you reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus when you are in a public space and cannot maintain social distance.

 

So usually, how many masks do you carry each day: Just one or bring a replacement? Then what type of mask do you usually wear: Surgical mask, N95, or cloth mask? If you only bring one, it means you will wear the mask for a long time. Then, do you know what are the risks and dangers of wearing a mask for too long?

 

The Straits Times in collaboration with testing laboratory Eurofins conducted a study to find out how contaminated masks can be if used for a long time. In this study, masks that have been worn for a long time were tested to find out whether bacteria, yeast and fungi, Staphylococcus aureus, which is usually associated with skin infections, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with rashes.

 

The results of the study found that masks worn for a longer time had higher bacterial counts and higher fungal counts, while staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa were absent. Although a higher number of bacteria does not necessarily mean a person will fall ill, experts believe that this can increase the risk of various health problems. Because when the microenvironment inside the mask is warm and humid, these conditions are the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.

 

Therefore, it is very important how you pay attention to how long the duration of the mask you use every day. Because if you don't pay attention, there will be various dangerous risks to your health. Come on, find out further what are the dangers if you wear a mask for too long!

 

1. skin infection

 

Dr John Common, principal investigator at the Skin Research Institute of Singapore, at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, said staphylococcus aureus can produce a number of toxins that are sometimes harmful to humans. It is classified as a pathobiont, meaning it can cause harm under certain conditions, although the bacteria can be found commonly in healthy people. For example, it is associated with atopic dermatitis, especially in people who may have a more porous skin barrier, or have fewer natural defense mechanisms in their skin to reduce infection. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also increase the risk of being bad for your skin health, especially on the injured skin.

 

2. Allergic reactions to breathing problems

 

Dr John Chen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, said the bacteria on the masks were unlikely to cause anything serious in "the vast majority of cases", but there were "opportunistic bacteria" which could sometimes be attention. Such bacteria, which live on healthy skin, can grow to high levels on dirty masks and cause illness. At low levels, our immune system keeps them under control, but at high levels, it can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, breathing problems, and even nasal infections.

 

3. bacterial growth

 

From this research, you can immediately see how reusable masks and disposable masks look, both before washing until they have been used for a week. This mask has been used for six hours and left unwashed for a week. It is seen that yeast and mold remain on the mask. This shows that masks that are not washed regularly become a breeding ground for germs, as they can retain oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

 

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Always pay attention to the condition of the mask you use every day. Always be ready to bring a spare mask when you are traveling outside. So that you avoid various bad risks that can endanger your health if the mask is worn for too long. Stay safe and healthy!