UNAIR NEWS – It is undeniable that the Covid-19 pandemic, reaching its second year in Indonesia, has certainly changed people’s lifestyles. For example, using masks when leaving the house, which used to be a choice, has now become an obligation. As a result, medical mask waste is also abundant because people just throw it in any place.
From this issue, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) 64th KKN-BBM team in Belayang Baru, Kertak Hanyar, Banjar, held a webinar on “Aspects of Masks: Behavioral Analysis of Mask Hygiene”. Diansanto Prayoga, S.KM., M.Kes., as a speaker, opened the presentation by mentioning several types of masks that can be used during the pandemic. These include respiratory gas masks for hazardous or toxic gases, N99 masks, N95 masks, surgical masks, sponge masks, FFP1 masks, activated carbon masks, sponge masks, and reusable cloth masks.
“Of all these types, the most commonly used are medical and cloth masks,” he said in an activity taking place on Wednesday, August 12, 2021.
After using a medical mask or cloth mask, Dian reminded the participants not to throw it away or wash it carelessly. Regarding the handling of medical masks, he said five safe steps can be done to minimize the amount of waste and misuse of masks.
For the first step, we must separate used masks from other waste. After that, disinfect the used masks by soaking them with disinfectant, chlorine, or bleach. Third, break the strings, and tear the middle part of the mask. Then, throw the damaged mask in the domestic trash can. The last step is to wash your hands with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer.
“Make sure these discarded masks are tied and damaged so they are not recycled or reused by others,” he stressed.
Regarding the handling of used cloth masks, the UNAIR Faculty of Public Health lecturer shared several effective steps to wash them. First, the cloth mask must be soaked in warm water and detergent for 10 minutes. Then, rub the cloth mask gently, do not rub it with a brush to avoid widening mask pores. The third step is to rinse it with clean running water and then dry it in direct sunlight. After that, the mask is ironed with a hot temperature according to the type of fabric and then stored again, ready for use.
“Don’t forget to change your mask every 4 hours to stay safe,” he concluded.
Author: Nikmatus Sholikhah
Editor: Feri Fenoria
