As face masks become new (literal) accessories, you have to stumble upon them which contain copper. You may not have thought much of it, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise us to wear cloth masks or other PPE masks, which do not specifically mention copper masks. However, given what is still known about the metal, a copper mask could potentially produce a cloth mask in terms of protection.
In addition to being a shiny, stand-alone material perfect for design, copper is anti-microbial. This indicates that germs and infections die immediately after contact. In fact, E. coli, Listeria, MRSA, and Staphylococcus can be killed in no time. And when it comes to this particular strain of coronavirus, A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that SARS-CO-2, The virus that causes COVID-19 diagnosis was found to be inactive within four hours of landing on a copper surface. This raises the problem: if copper can eradicate this disease so quickly, why do we say that we are not talking much about copper masks?
Kobber-munnbind (Copper Inside) A copper-based microbial technology company, which worked with a setting to develop a copper-affected mask – the copper used in the mask was even approved by the EPA, and it made him one of the few vendors who had paid extra to register their products. Unfortunately, these masks are only available for purchase through institutions. When it comes to buying copper masks, most consumers are left to fend for themselves. Schmidt explained that the virus particles are extremely small and that in order for a copper mask to be truly effective, copper would need to be added to each fiber of the mask, instead of just one layer inside the mask.
Copper masks are designed to improve fabric masks. The main difference is that the droplets loaded with the virus on the copper mask will die in a few hours. Meanwhile, when the cloth comes in contact with the masked virus, the virus can survive there for several days. That’s why we clean our masks. Michael Schmidt, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, said if anyone has the virus, the copper mask helps reduce the number of viral particles moving through the air. They will die when the viral particles are released from you [a person infected with the virus] into the environment through a copper mask. He says. However, he notes that there is still much research to be done on the effectiveness of these masks.
Bottom line: Do your research there are many possibilities for copper masks. However, since the concept of everyday face masks is still relatively new, not all sellers can combine masks so that consumers reap the full antimicrobial benefits of copper. It can be hard to know which copper mask (if any) is the real deal, but if you are looking to buy a cloth mask by any means, there is no harm in looking for someone with that copper. Since face masks become a part of everyday life, it is hoped that scientists will find more details on the subject and inform manufacturers on how to configure these masks to provide maximum protection. No matter how effective your mask maybe, says Sacks, stop handling it with clean hands or wash it after wearing it out.