How to wash masks with 70 percent alcohol. They're sanitized at high temperatures, above 60 degrees.

HOW TO WASH MASKS

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HOW TO SANITIZE MASKS

When we talk about masks, we're essentially talking, initially as now, about surgical masks that reduce the wearer's risk of infecting others. This type of mask, in fact, stops the release of droplets released when speaking or sneezing. However, this mask does not protect the wearer. On the other hand, masks with an FFP2 or FFP3 filter, without a valve, reserved for medical personnel or those who come into contact with the sick, protect others from contagion. Then there are so-called "selfish" masks, those with a valve that protect only the wearer, but if a sick person wears them, others are not protected from potential contagion.

From surgical masks to FFP1/FFP2/FFP3 masks, the question is whether these devices can be reused and, if so, how . Let's start from the assumption that all masks should be disposable, but that it is possible, to avoid waste, to sanitize them, especially since there have been times when they have seemed very difficult to find, even in pharmacies. Wearing them has now become a daily habit, which we must get used to, as they could be quite a long time to live together. We no longer have any particular doubts about how to wear them. You must wash your hands before putting them on your face, cover your nose and mouth, and try not to touch them with your hands. So, let's see, at this point, how to wash and sanitize masks, also in anticipation of a possible return of the pandemic in the fall.

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HOW TO SANITIZE MASKS

• The surgical mask must be removed always taking it from the elastic bands, without ever touching the outside part. At this point, it goes Place it on a flat surface and spray it with 70% alcohol, also wetting the opposite side, including the elastic bands. Then, let it dry for at least half an hour in a protected place.Finally, place it in a plastic bag. The mask is now ready for reuse. After removing it, wash your hands with an alcohol-based solution.
• Regarding masks FFP1/FFP2/FFP3 masks must be sanitized by exposing both sides to high temperatures, above 60°, using steam from an iron or a hairdryer. Obviously, the sanitized mask must not be ruined, otherwise the risk of contamination becomes extremely high. 
• Reusable masks can also be washed at 60° with common laundry detergent. Often the manufacturers provide instructions on how to wash them.
• As recommended by the Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence in its document "Instructions for Sanitizing Disposable Personal Protective Equipment in the COVID-19 Emergency," this treatment should be reserved for masks used in circumstances where the risk of contagion is low and therefore reusable. Washing and sanitizing are absolutely not recommended if the masks have been used by people who have come into contact with infected individuals or in environments where the risk of contagion is high.In such cases, they must be absolutely thrown away. Therefore, masks must be sanitized after they have been used for daily activities and after contact with sick people.

HOW TO DISINFECT MASKS

As explained by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), masks, like used gloves, must be disposed of in the unsorted garbage, but not before sealing them in a secure bag to prevent them from dispersing into the environment and preventing sanitation workers from coming into contact with them. If you test positive for Coronavirus, as advised by the ISS, you must stop recycling and dispose of everything in a single pedal bin, using two or three layers of bags. When closing the bags, you must wear gloves and then wash your hands thoroughly.

If you're out and about, masks and gloves should never be thrown in street trash bins. It's best to wait until you dispose of them at home. Throwing masks in the street is not only unethical but could have a serious environmental and health impact, as these devices are a source of infection.

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