Can non-woven masks be reused? How many microorganisms will be absorbed by wearing a mask for a day

In order to avoid the spread of the virus during the epidemic, everyone has become accustomed to wearing non-woven masks. Although wearing a mask can effectively prevent the spread of the virus, do you think wearing a mask will give you peace of mind?

The Straits Times recently cooperated with the local Eurofins laboratory to study how many microbes will be attached to the non-woven mask when wearing a non-woven mask for a long time.

Research from the Eurofins lab shows that the longer a non-woven mask is worn repeatedly, the amount of bacteria, mold and yeast inside the mask increases.

The experiment was conducted on disposable and reusable masks for six and 12 hours, respectively, recording the emergence of bacteria, yeast, mold, Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of skin infections) during this time. fungus) and Agrobacterium aeruginosa (the fungus that causes the rash), and then compared.

The experiments recorded bacteria, yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus aureus, and Agrobacterium aeruginosa, respectively. (The Straits Times)

Dr John Common, a skin research scholar at the Singapore Institute of Science and Technology, said in an interview that Staphylococcus aureus may produce some toxins that are harmful to humans.

These germs can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, or through the use of contaminated items.

Therefore, this fungus is classified as a pathogenic organism, which means that this fungus that often occurs in healthy people can also cause harm to the human body to some extent.

Agrobacterium aeruginosa is another type of bacteria that can live on the skin and cause harm to the human body.

Fortunately, the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Agrobacterium aeruginosa cells was not found in all the tested mask samples.

Unsurprisingly, the researchers found that the total counts of yeast, mold and other bacteria were higher on the masks that were worn for 12 hours than those that were only worn for six hours.

The bacteria of the non-woven mask worn for twelve hours was significantly higher than that of six hours. (The Straits Times)

Notably, the study found that reusable masks generally contained more microorganisms than disposable non-woven masks.

At present, further testing is required to determine whether other microorganisms and bacteria attached to the mask can cause diseases or skin diseases.

A local microbiologist told The Straits Times in an interview that the warm and humid environment in all masks is often conducive to the growth of microorganisms, but these microorganisms are not all harmful.

Yeast and mold. (The Straits Times)

In an interview, Professor Chen Weining, Director of Nanyang Technological University`s Food Technology Program, said:

"Because of the presence of microorganisms in our surrounding environment and digestive system (eg: mouth and intestine), it is not surprising to find these microbial bacteria on masks."

Dr. Li Wenjian, Dean of the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences of Nanyang Technological University, said that the materials of these masks will lead to the retention of a certain amount of bacteria after 12 hours of use.

He pointed out that the biggest difference between disposable non-woven masks and reusable masks is the lining fabric closest to the mouth. He says:

"The lining fabric closest to the mouth is where bacteria remain when we sneeze or cough. When we speak with a mask on, our saliva will be atomized and attached to this fabric."

Dr. Li added that disposable non-woven masks can provide better breathability and bacterial filtration than reusable woven masks. The fiber space of the woven mask is relatively large, so the filtration performance of bacteria is not so good.

Therefore, if the reusable mask is not cleaned frequently, it will cause dust, dirt, sweat and other microorganisms (including bacteria) to be absorbed inside and outside the mask.

"These are likely to cause problems such as allergies, skin irritation or infection."

Dr. Chen, an assistant professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at NUS Yang Luling School of Medicine, told reporters that in "the vast majority of cases", the bacteria on the masks did not cause too serious consequences, but occasionally "opportunistic infections" occurred.

Dirty masks that haven't been washed in a week. (The Straits Times)

These bacteria that live on the skin can multiply on dirty masks and cause disease. Dr Chen said:

"When the bacterial counts are low, the immune system will keep them under control. Once the counts are high, it can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, breathing problems and even nasal infections."

Dr. Chen pointed out that since it is difficult to determine whether there are harmful bacteria on the mask, it is recommended that everyone wash the mask frequently or after wearing the mask for a day.

Seeing these "suddenly visible" bacteria on the mask, do you still dare to be lazy and not change the non-woven mask?