Don't buy every mask you see on the street

Nursun Üstünkarlı, Lecturer at Paramedic Program, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), warned citizens that masks, which are vital in the fight against coronavirus, can be sold by some street vendors at low prices without paying attention to hygiene and quality. Üstünkarlı said, “The protection of every mask sold is not the same. Pharmacies and medical drug stores may be preferred for purchasing masks. Fabric masks that are inspected and sold by secure channels can also be used.”

Nursun Üstünkarlı, Vice Director of IUE Vocational School of Health Services and Paramedic Program Lecturer stated that masks are seen as accessories by some people, but aesthetic concerns should not avert concerns about health. Üstünkarlı said, “We see that masks started to be used as accessories for aesthetic concerns other than medical purposes, especially by choosing various patterns and colors. Of course, colored or patterned masks that are purchased from safe places and prepared with quality materials can also be used. However, masks should not be preferred only according to their appearance. What matters is not how the mask looks from outside, but how much it protects us.”

CHANGE THE MASK THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Üstünkarlı continued as follows: “Masks must be changed during the day. Those who are in crowded places or in the same environment with sick individuals should use protective visors as well as high protective masks. Expenses per person increased with the increase in the use of masks. People have tended to use washable/reusable masks to reduce costs and prevent increases in waste. Washable masks should be washed at high temperatures and used after a hot ironing.”

CAUTION FOR STREET ANIMALS ALSO

Stating that the masks must be considered as contaminated or possible waste (infected waste), Üstünkarlı said: “Masks are not considered as infected waste. Masks with completed protective life should be left in garbage bins, not in the streets. This is no different from spitting on the street. The masks thrown on the streets do not only threaten human life. Masks wrapped around birds can cause them to have difficulty flying. It can cause our other animal friends to have trouble with infected masks. While taking care of our individual hygiene, we must not forget that we are not alone on the planet.”