Health officials advised that if the public wears a health mask as a preventive measure in the early heat when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees during the day, it is okay to wear a 'KF80' mask with similar performance than a 'KF94' mask that is difficult to breathe.

In particular, the health authorities advised that dental masks or cotton masks could be used in addition to these health masks.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks of KF94 or higher are necessary for carers or medical staff at high risk of caring for suspected infectious diseases such as Corona19.

When used as a health mask for the prevention of corona19 by the general public, a KF80 or dental mask is sufficient.

In fact, when the KF94 and KF80 tested the performance of the KF94, the two products showed no significant difference in performance.

Yang Jin-young, deputy chief of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said today (6th) in a briefing on the supply and demand of the mask, "In the summer when it gets hotter, there are some people who prefer the KF80 mask, which is easy to breathe."

Yang further emphasized, "If there is no KF80 or dental mask, a cotton mask will also help (prevent infection)."

Yang also said that some people pointed out whether or not they should make a difference in the sales price of the KF94 and KF80. "If there is such a request, we will review it overall and raise an agenda and discuss it with the relevant ministries."

Yang also reaffirmed that some of the pharmacies have failed to comply with the guidelines for the sale of five-part drugs, but will continue to maintain the five-part mask in order to prevent confusion.

Among the masks currently on the market, health mask products include 'KF80', 'KF94', and 'KF99'.

Here, KF stands for 'Korea Filter' and numbers refer to particle blocking performance.

'KF80' can block more than 80% of fine particles with an average size of 0.6㎛, protecting the respiratory system from particulate matter such as yellow dust and fine dust.

'KF94' and 'KF99' can protect the respiratory system from infectious sources such as particulate harmful substances such as yellow dust and fine dust and H1N1 flu by blocking particles with an average size of 0.4㎛ over 94% and 99%, respectively.

Like this, the health mask has an excellent effect of blocking infected droplets, but the problem is that it can suffer from breathing difficulties.

Accordingly, the health authorities also advised that pregnant women, children, the elderly, and the respiratory ill wear a health mask to prevent corona19 and stop using it immediately if they feel breathing problems.

When looking at the packaging of all health mask products, the warning message "Pregnant women, respiratory / cardiovascular disease patients, children, the elderly, etc. should stop using it if they feel uncomfortable due to wearing a mask. It is written in the notes.

(Photo = Yonhap News)