Thiruvananthapuram : N95 masks with ‘respiratory’ valves might do more harm than good, the centre warned citizens it its letter from the Director General of Health Services, Rajiv Garg, to all states and union territories. While the valve allows fresh air in it also lets in potentially contaminated air with virus particles, the letter said.
Ordinarily, N95 masks are meant for health workers during their work in safe environment. Such ventilated masks also pose added risk to persons already infected from influx of further amounts of virus into the system. Garg in his letter, encourages citizens to use homemade masks and sterilise them after use. Any cotton cloth can be used as a cover for face and mouth, only make sure there is no gap around the sides, the letter said.
