May 1, 2006
A report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) raises troubling questions about the use -- or, more specifically, the reuse -- of
medical face masks in the event of a flu pandemic.
"The message is clear: don't count on a mask to protect you from influenza," said Elizabeth M. Whelan of the American Council on Science and Health. "More tried and true methods of protection -- including frequent hand washing and avoiding crowds --- offer far more promise."
The greater danger to avoid is "a false sense of security from masks," Whelan warned.
The masks were a common sight in China when the deadly SARS virus swept that country a few years ago. In the case of a pandemic, a large number of the disposable masks would be required, assuming they are used once and thrown away.
"Based on the assumption that efforts to produce and stockpile sufficient supplies of disposable masks and/or respirators may fall short in the event of a pandemic, the US Department of Health and Human Services requested that an IOM committee examine issues relative to the potential reuse of medical masks and N95 respirators in the event of an influenza pandemic," the report said.
Over the course of three months, the committee held two meetings, requested information from manufacturers, and read a wide body of technical literature.
At this point, it's not prepared to suggest that face masks can be safely reused.
"The committee's work ascertained that very little is currently known regarding the potential to disinfect and reuse either medical masks or respirators. Fundamental research both in the epidemiology of influenza and in the material properties of medical masks and respirators is needed before methods of disinfection and reuse can be developed," the report said.
What To Do
What's a consumer to do? Whelan said stockpiling masks offers little protection. "The virus is so incredibly tiny that it can defy even the most tightly-woven mask," she said.
"Second, flu is spread in three ways: first, by hand, as in the case of someone sneezing into his hand, then grabbing a doorknob, which you then touch -- or simply shaking your hand; second, by the spraying of droplets to someone in the direct path of a cough or sneeze; and third, by tiny particles that can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time," she added.
The IOM committee said it was able to develop a method of use that may allow for extended use of a professional-grade N95 respirator, although there is no research to support the method.
Whelan noted the N95 masks need to be fitted and replaced daily, not a practical solution for the general population.
"If indeed these masks offer any benefit, it is for preventing a sick person from spreading the virus through coughing and sneezing, as opposed to offering substantial protection to a person who is attempting to avoid infection," she said.
