Are Your Face Masks Effective?

Are Your Face Masks Effective?

We would all be pleased to know that the BNSI is actively participating with the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality and other CARICOM Member States to create a much needed standard for Non-medical face masks, that is a standard for masks for personal every-day use.

The question may be asked, what is wrong with the cloth masks people wear? The truth is, all masks offer some measure of protection, however, the level of protection depends on the weave (mesh) the fabric is made from. Some weaves may have a wider mesh than others resulting in bigger spaces between the strands of thread. The COVID-19 virus can be illustrated to be like a very small ball, and depending on the mesh may pass directly through the spaces between the strands of thread. Therefore, dependent on the fabric (or mesh of fabric) from which your mask is made you will have greater or lesser protection.  The Non-medical face mask standard under development helps to make the production of masks more consistent in quality and safety. No mask can offer one hundred percent protection!

The Non-medical face masks standard provides guidance to importers and manufacturers alike regarding suitable materials for manufacturing masks, it also stipulates performance criteria for the masks.

Consumers can have the assurance that the masks they wear will be effective in their effort to prevent the spread of the COVID -19 virus.