LETTER | Unmasking potential of fabric face masks

LETTER | Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the race for a vaccine, the face mask has become a necessity. Apart from the existing conventional disposable mask, a new category of face masks has emerged - the fabric type. 

In contrast to disposable masks, the fabric mask comes in all kinds of designs and is fast becoming a fashion item, as many large apparel manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon in producing fabric masks.

While prioritising the use of medical masks and respirators for medical professionals, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has aptly released its guidelines on fabric masks and encourages countries that have issued recommendations for its people to conduct systematic research on its use. 

The direction henceforth accentuates the need for a standard to be set in order for a professional body to certify fabric masks. The performance of fabric masks should be evaluated through bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), particle filtration efficiency (PFE), fluid resistance, breathability and flammability tests.

It is appalling to note that in the absence of an international recognised fabric mask certification, fabric masks are often tested to meet the specifications for professional use. 

It is inappropriate to pit fabric masks against disposable medical masks and respirators which have stringent performance requirements due to its field of application. 

There is a strong need for certification, testing and evaluation of fabric masks in the market for the public to dispel the sense of insecurity towards its protection performance. It is worrying to note that many are oblivious towards the risk of wearing an unfit fabric mask, as the protection that it offers is often deplorable.

Subsequently, the move will also deter the public from reusing disposable masks, which may pose greater hygiene and pandemic risks. Disposable masks can prevent Covid-19 infections, but improper disposal of the masks is an eyesore and bad for the environment. 

About 10 million disposable masks are discarded daily in Malaysia and the numbers are likely to increase when more students return to schools. If each disposable mask averagely weighs 3g, 10 million masks would estimate to a massive 30 tonnes of landfill waste in a day.

While disposable masks used in hospitals, clinics and labs are disposed into the medical waste stream, those used by the public end up in the general waste stream, which lacks facilities to safely dispose such waste. 

Indiscriminate disposal would lead to unhygienic outcomes if the used face mask is heavily contaminated with nasal or mouth secretions.

The use of a fabric mask offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. Along with handwashing guidelines and social distancing rules, fabric masks would take its stand as an essential health product that would remain on the shelves of our shops for a long time. 

It is imperative that the right performance standards and proper disposal measures are set for the benefit of all.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.