People have been wearing face masks for the last two years, making a huge difference in their lives. Since COVID-19 hit, people have been able to stay healthy by using Australian-made face masks every time they go out in public. As such, face masks are great for keeping you safe from germs, but there are some things you need to know before purchasing one.
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Consider Where the Face Mask Is Made
Australian-made masks are the best if you buy from a reputable supplier. You should always research the manufacturing process and look for the materials used. Also, read about the quality control, the testing process and the relevant certifications and warranties.
Look for the Australian Standard Certification
The Australian Standard certification is the standard for all products sold in Australia and New Zealand. It is a mark of quality, so you can ensure that your product will be safe to use. Meanwhile, there are different levels of certification, but if you see their peculiar symbol on your Australian-made face masks, they have passed rigorous testing standards and meet all government requirements.
So, there are four levels: AS/NZS 4399, AS/NZS 4378, AS/NZS 4377 and AS/NZS 4376.
- The first level covers general safety aspects such as whether or not they’re easy to wear and how well they work at filtering out dust particles while providing adequate protection from allergens like pollen and mould spores (which irritate).
- The second level covers more specific health concerns like how well they protect against harmful gases such as sulphur dioxide (which causes shortness of breath) or carbon monoxide (which reduces oxygen levels).
- The third level looks specifically at UV protection. The mask passes this level when the material block 90%+ of harmful UV rays.
- And finally, there’s a fourth level that focuses more heavily on comfortability when wearing masks for long periods.
Check for Particle Filtration Efficiency
When shopping for a face mask, you will want to ensure that the mask has been rated with an efficiency of at least N95. This means it can filter out 95% of particles at 0.3 microns and is more prominent in size, which is essential because those particles pose a threat to humans.
The other thing you should look for when choosing a face mask is if it has been rated as able to filter out particles in the range of 0.3 – 1 microns. This is where most viruses and bacteria fall, so if your N95 rating isn’t high enough, neither will your virus protection rating!
It’s also important to know what kind of filter your mask has and when you should replace it.
So, filters should be replaced after every five hours of use, and this is the most effective way to keep yourself safe from pollution. It’s also important not to wait longer before changing filters because they can become damaged or clogged with dirt, making them less effective at filtering out air particles.
Material
Latex, a natural protein found in many plants, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. And when latex comes into contact with the skin, it can cause an allergic reaction that is often mild to severe for those who are sensitive to it. Meanwhile, some face masks are made from natural latex rubber, which may not be suitable for those who have an allergy or sensitivity to this material. As such, they should find masks made of other hypoallergenic materials like cotton.
If you have any doubts about the quality of your face mask, it is best to go with a trusted brand. You can find out more about face masks on their website.