Unmasking the unmasked - 20/05/21
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Abstract |
Facial maskings have been part of the human story since time began, and the reasons for their needs and the materials that went into their making would vary according to the reasons and materials available. The health-related needs took centuries to become established, but not until the germ theory of disease became recognized. The facial mask, seen as an essential defensive tool for prevention of respiratory transmitted disease continues to be the prime personal protective piece of equipment. With air-born contaminations, such as the present pandemic SARS- CoV-2 viral infestation, why would there be opposition to the use of this personal protective cover of our airways, when until an immunologic answer is available, it is the best single prevention we have. When supported with other measures, like distancing, washing and non-crowding, society would be much safer and secure, with probable less acute and drastic outcomes due to the spread of this virus.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | The use of facial masks goes back to antiquity. |
• | The bad smell of infections prompted the use of masking. |
• | Germ theory of disease increased the use of masking late 1800. |
• | Modern masks result of physiological and engineering science. |
• | Respiratory viral pandemics demand masking for prevention. |
Keywords : Masking, Unmasking, Personal protective equipment, Pandemic, Covid-2
Plan
Vol 221 - N° 6
P. 1279-1284 - juin 2021 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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