UNAIR NEWS – The pandemic period has required every nation to enforce health protocols, including Indonesia. The use of face masks has become mandatory for every citizen. However, this application of health protocols, especially face masks, in developing and densely populated countries often cause other problems.
The most significant drawback of using face masks is its environmental problem. Both garbage and face mask waste are hazardous for human health and the environment, especially if thrown away inappropriately. There are still many used face masks in the community that are still scattered out of place.
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Microbiology expert, dr. Novita Arbianti, Sp.MK, explained that the virus (COVID 19) attached to used face masks is still hazardous and contagious. She made the statement in EMISSION webinar entitled ‘ Reducing Medical Mask Waste in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic ‘ held by one of the compulsory community work (KKN) groups, Faculty of Medicine UNAIR.
“The (used) medical masks are now a problem. We must protect others as well from the face masks,” she said.
First, the correct way to remove a face mask is to hold the strap and not the filter or the mask. Then, it is better to spray (disinfect) the surface with 70 percent alcohol or hand sanitizer. After spraying, cut the mask strap and dispose of the mask in a closed trash can.
According to dr. Novita, there is a different way to remove the mask for a brief use. The trick is to remove the mask by holding the strap and place it on a tissue surface that has been prepared previously on the table, then fold it, and the mask can be used again.
“But there is safe duration too, if our masks are wet, it’s been three hours, please change them and don’t put them around your neck,” she emphasized.
Furthermore, the correct way to wash a cloth mask is not to mix it directly with other clothes. It would be nice to soak it first with detergent or hot water, then wash it normally and let them dry in the sun.
dr. Novita, said that disposing of used masks should not be done carelessly. It is necessary to provide particular trash bins for medical masks, especially at home. She also encouraged the audience to sort the waste.
“With COVID 19, we should not create new problems, especially environmental problems,” she concluded. (*)
Author: Muhammad Ichwan Firmansyah
Editor: Feri fenoria
