It was recently reported that face masks are ineffective in protecting you from the Covid-19 virus as it traps all the stuff in the air you’re trying to stay clear of. It also tends to make wearers touch their face more often, which could increase the chances of getting infected.
Well, I think not wearing masks if you’re healthy is good judgement as having something so close to your nose and mouth might actually increase your chances of getting infected, especially when you don’t know how the masks are made or where they come from.
According to Straits Times, a recycling factory in Saraburi province in Thailand has been selling used face masks as new ones.
Police raided the building on 2nd March where the facility was illegally recycling used face masks by ironing them before folding them in boxes to look like new, unused ones.
They found six workers sorting out these masks that were allegedly from a dealer whose origin is unknown.
“Workers said they got paid at 1 baht (RM0.10) per piece, while they recycled around 300-400 masks per day per person,” the police said.
“I have also contacted Wihandaeng Public Health Office to press charges at the police station as a plaintiff against the factory, as its operation could jeopardise the health of people who buy the used face masks as well as those in the community near the factory.”
Officials seized all face masks at the factory and sent some samples to the Ministry of Commerce to investigate the origin.
All this comes after Thailand has been faced with the shortage of masks amid the Covid-19 outbreak. The country currently has 43 confirmed cases of the disease. The bulk of those infected are Chinese tourists or Thais who have come into contact with travellers.
If you do not know where your masks originally come from, it’s best to just avoid using it at all. After all, it’s perfectly alright not to wear one unless you’re sick.
Also read: Face Masks Aren’t Just Ineffective, They Might Actually INCREASE Your Risk Of Infection
