The mask is effective in the fight against the current coronavirus, but you still have to make sure you change it regularly. In order to know the right time to change your mask, a Scottish company has created a label system. By changing color over the hours, it indicates when the mask is no longer effective.
Despite the many fake news circulating on the web on this subject, masks are effective in combating the spread of the coronavirus in the population. Having been the subject of controversy at the start of the crisis, studies have confirmed the essential usefulness of this accessory. Other studies have estimated that if 70% of the population consented to wear a mask, the pandemic would be just a bad memory.
The only thing is, it's everyone's responsibility to know when to change their mask. Generally, it is advisable to make this change after a few hours of use. As the Scottish daily newspaper The National explains in an article of December 21, 2020, the company Insignia Technologies has developed a trick to know the ideal moment to change his mask. This is a label to stick on the mask, the latter informing the wearer – via a color change – of the need to wear a new mask.
“We want to educate mask users on the importance of following recommended face mask guidelines. By incorporating our innovative labeling technology on masks, we can ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used responsibly and is not worn too long or thrown away too quickly." said David Kilshaw, CEO of Insignia Technologies.
According to Insignia Technologies, the labels in question use many smart pigments and other inks. These change color upon exposure to carbon dioxide. The creators had the idea of using this technology to develop the label from the start of the current epidemic. There was indeed a significant confusion when deciding to throw away a used mask. In addition, this also concerned other PPE such as gowns.
The label provided for masks is activated as soon as it is placed. This turns blue after a period of time between between 4 and 6 hours , as recommended. A real easy and reassuring visual marker, the label allows you to change your mask when it has lost its effectiveness.
