Can masks block tuberculosis bacteria?

Tuberculosis poses a serious threat to our health, so in daily life, we should also understand some methods to block tuberculosis bacteria and reduce the impact of this disease as much as possible. Masks actually have a certain effect on blocking tuberculosis bacteria, but we should also pay attention to the correct choice of mask type. Let us take a look at the role of masks in preventing tuberculosis bacteria.

1. There are many types of masks. According to different manufacturing materials, there are activated carbon powder filter masks, activated carbon felt pad masks, non-woven masks, microfiber masks, absorbent cotton masks, cotton gauze masks, etc. According to their uses, there are medical disposable ordinary masks, surgical masks, N95 masks, etc. Depending on the shape, there are flat masks, cup-shaped masks, towel masks, triangular bandana masks, cotton gauze masks and gas masks, etc. There are also mask alternatives such as gauze scarves, scarves, neck wraps, towels, etc.

2. A suitable mask must be able to prevent the inhalation of harmful substances and block the excretion of harmful substances, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The latest measurements by relevant professional organizations show that cotton gauze masks, ordinary medical disposable masks, and activated carbon masks cannot prevent the inhalation of tiny droplet nuclei in the air and have no protective effect on the wearer. Mask substitutes are even worse. Surgical masks and microfiber masks can filter out 50% of 0.3-micron non-oily particles, providing a certain degree of protection. The N95 mask can filter out 95% of 0.3-micron non-oily particles, and can effectively prevent the inhalation of tiny droplet nuclei containing pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, medical staff in the infectious disease department and visiting family members should wear N95 masks, and healthy people who have contact with patients with bacterial tuberculosis should also wear N95 masks.

3. There are many haze days, but we can now monitor PM2.5. If in haze weather with high PM2.5, particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns can penetrate into the bronchioles and alveoli, and their total amount far exceeds that in non-haze weather. When a tuberculosis patient coughs, sneezes or talks, a large number of small droplets containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis fly into the air and can easily combine with PM2.5 particles. Once a person inhales PM2.5 particles containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis, he or she may be infected. Therefore, wearing a suitable mask can not only prevent haze, but also prevent and control tuberculosis.

4. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a strong survival ability. After leaving the body, if it adheres to dust, it can survive for 8 to 10 days, and if it stays in dry sputum, it can survive for 6 to 8 months. But tuberculosis bacteria are afraid of heat and ultraviolet rays. It can be killed by heating to 62℃~63℃ in liquid for 15 minutes or boiling for 5 minutes; it can also be killed by ultraviolet light or direct sunlight for several hours. Masks have become the last barrier against harmful inhalants. For this reason, experts remind people who come into contact with patients with bacteriostatic pulmonary tuberculosis during foggy and smoggy weather that these patients must wear appropriate masks!