How the WHO has flip-flopped on their guidance on masks? And sadly, why I believe that they continue to get it wrong.

One glance at all the WHO guidelines on mask usage issued from January – June, 2020, and you will really think that this is a case of the blind leading the blind….. 

January 29

Wearing a medical mask is one of the prevention measures to limit the spread of certain respiratory diseases 

March 31 

WHO stands by recommendation to not wear masks if you are not sick or not caring for someone who is sick

April 6

Medical masks should be reserved for health care workers, healthy folks should wear cloth masks

June 5

The WHO has released new guidance on cloth masks, recommending that they consist of at least three layers of different materials: an inner layer being an absorbent material like cotton, a middle layer of non-woven materials such as polypropylene (for the filter) and an outer layer, which is a non-absorbent material such as a polyester or a polyester blend.

Keep in mind, this is the World Health Organization, an apex Global organization for Global Public Health.

Instead, of beating up the WHO, I am going to focus on my recommendations based on my limited knowledge of masks.

The Global standard for masks is N95 and this is a mask being used by health workers and other professionals working in infected environments.  In fact, healthy individuals are seeking out N95 masks as well based on the assumption that if it recommended for doctors and nurses in infected environments, it must be the highest protection against COVID.

Interestingly, even businesses have followed this guideline by flooding markets with disposable N95 masks – mostly fake, however, some maybe genuine. My advise on this is that even if these masks are genuine, please don't buy masks that are disposable, it is highly irresponsible and unsustainable.

So, what is a N95 mask?

An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering facepiece that filters at least 95% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns or 300 nanometers.

The problem with using N95 masks as a personal protective equipment(PPE) or as a barrier from COVID is that the size of a COVID nanoparticle ranges between 0.06-0.14 microns or 60-140 nanometers.

WHAT?? Yes, that’s correct, N95 masks do not have efficacy for Covid-sized nanoparticles and hence are not an adequate form of a protection/barrier from it.

Those wearing the Surgical masks(the cheap blue masks, used by doctors) are in graver danger as all they do is resist fluids.  They are disposable, loose-fitting devices that create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and the immediate environment. They are for use in surgical settings and do not provide full protection from inhalation of airborne pathogens, such as viruses.

Just a quick line on cloth masks - please don't wear them as they don't offer any protection for nanoparticles at all.

What now?  And what are my recommendations?

If we think of the mask as a barrier from COVID, in my opinion, only the following features matter:

? Certified Viral Filtration Efficiency(VFE) – should be > 95% 

? Breathability of material used – this is very important for comfort now that we’re forced to          wear masks for extended periods

? Fit of the mask – if it doesn’t seal your face, it’s useless!!

PLEASE NOTE – you need all of the above, not 1 out of 3, or 2 out of 3!

The new direction for masks and masks with efficacy against COVID is one that utilizes nanotechnology - this elevates the filtration capabilities and lowers the breathing resistance for comfort.  Use of nanotech filters, I believe, is the now and future of face masks as our viruses and pollutants get smaller and smaller and smaller, mostly due to the unsustainable ill-habits of us humans. Also, these masks are sustainable as they are reusable and washable.

Be safe everyone!

By Jai Dhar Gupta – Founder of protective solutions company, Nirvana Being, and the Founder of the Citizen Movement, My Right to Breathe.