GTech Products provide extra protection for face coverings and masks.
Face mask functionality, CDC recommendations, and the extra protection of GTech Products.
Outside the context of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic it’s strange to think that people must put on a mask before going out in public as well as into public places. A year ago the thought of being required to put on a mask or face covering before entering, say, a bank or retail store, would be very counterintuitive. The however is that wearing a face covering or mask is now a social responsibility and requirement in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is one of the many lifestyle changes, including a heightened awareness of cleaning and disinfecting overall, that has become part of everyday life. Acclimating to the use of a face covering or mask has been difficult for some but on the other end of the spectrum it’s been very easy and even embraced by others who view face coverings and masks as a chance for fashion and function to meet. This sort of adaption to the protection wearing a mask in public provides can be seen in the wide variety of styles of face coverings and masks that are available.
What does wearing a face covering or mask actually do to slow the spread of COVID-19, though? According to the Centers For Disease Control, “Wearing cloth masks can help prevent people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading the virus. Make sure your cloth mask: fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, completely covers the nose and mouth, is secured with ties or ear loops, includes multiple layers of fabric, allows for breathing without restriction, and can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.” The point here is that there is the mask or face covering reduces the risk of people already infected with COVID-19 from passing it on…and, since nobody really knows who may or may not have COVID-19, everybody should wear a face covering or mask for the overall good of the entire population.
N95 and pm 2.5 masks
On the top of what might be seen as the technical spectrum of masks, ie not just the cloth masks recommended by the CDC, there are two big names in masks that everyone is probably familiar with. The first is the N95 mask, also known as an N95 respirator.
This is a mask with an actual air filtration functionality built into it. The N95 is air filtration system removes at least 95% of airborne particles, which is why health care workers use them when working with patients. The masks form a “complete seal” around the face, sometimes requiring a custom fitting, and they were originally designed to be used in industries like mining and factory work to protect against inhalation of nanoparticles. In order to be classified as N95 the mask must achieve and maintain this “complete seal”. The CDC does not recommend that the public wear N95 masks in public because they are viewed as a “critical” resource, so the supplies of N95 masks must be preserved for use by health care workers on the front lines. Extended use of an N95 mask can also cause some strain on the wearer’s respiratory system, in other words, it gets hard to breathe if you’re wearing an N95 mask for extended periods of time every day.
The pm 2.5 mask is similar in function. It’s designed to filter out up to 90% of airborne particles and does not necessarily maintain a “complete seal” needed for certification as N95 and for things like use by health care workers.
The pm 2.5 mask however gives more protection than just a cloth mask because of its nanoparticle filtration capabilities. There is some debate about the overall effectiveness of the mask and its ability to actually filter 90% of airborne particles. Filtration in a pm 2.5 mask comes from a carbon activated inserts that fit inside a cloth packet or casing, which can apparently wear down and the overall effectiveness of the mask can be compromised by an incorrect fit.
What’s interesting however is that the design and function of these masks are more about protecting the wearer from inhaling and being exposed to nanoparticles while the CDC recommendation for everyone to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is the opposite. Filtration system masks are more about protecting the person wearing the unit from particles getting in, the CDC recommendation is more about limiting particles that might be coming out from the wearer. So, ultimately its not a necessity to have a high-end filtration system mask like an N95 or pm 2.5 in order to be in accordance with the CDC recommendation and help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Surgical masks. Face Shields. Ear loop masks. Tie on masks. Bandanas and other coverings.
Masks that are effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19 come in a variety of styles. People living in areas where wearing a face covering or mask is required in public have developed their own personal preference for which type of face covering or mask to use based on comfort, functionality and, now, fashion choices. This has lead to masks becoming a creative outlet for people as well as mask fashion becoming somewhat of an industry.
Wearing a face covering or mask will, per the CDC recommendation, limit the exposure of other people to airborne particles that might be coming from the wearer however the face covering or mask that you wear is still being exposed to all sorts of pathogens, every day. Think about it. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in order to limit particles you might be emitting but you’re not getting filtration power from your cloth mask like you would with an N95 or pm 2.5 mask. To add extra protection to your face covering or mask, treat it with GTech Clean or GTech Armour.
GTech Clean is EPA approved to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on contact including COVID-19. In addition to killing pathogens on contact, GTech Clean creates a microscopic barrier of protection on any surfaces it is applied to which continues to kill viruses and bacteria for up to 7 days! GTech Clean is safe to use on any surface. It is all natural, has no alcohol or VoC’s. It’s super easy to use, as well. Just spray it on, let it dry, and you’re done. Treating your face covering or mask with GTech Clean will give you added protection against all viruses and bacteria.
GTech Armour is an all natural, non-alcohol, hand sanitizer that kills 99.99% of germs on contact and is specially formulated to moisturize and protect skin against drying and cracking. GTech Armour also makes a great surface disinfectant! GTech Armour is also formulated to leave a microscopic barrier of protection on surfaces that will last for hours. If you’re on the go, applying GTech Armour (which comes in convenient 8oz bottles) to your face covering or mask is a great way to make sure that you are getting added protection against pathogens.
The entire GTech line of products is designed to give you the power to disinfect and protect what matters most to you. Your home, business, family, friends. GTech Clean is the perfect way to maintain professional cleaning service level disinfection without the expense. Using one of our ULV foggers/sprayers you can disinfect a 1000sq foot room in minutes. GTech Clean is safe to use on any hard or soft surface and it’s a great deodorizer as well!
Don’t just disinfect. Protect your home. Protect your business. Protect your family. Protect your skin and your body. Order GTech Clean and GTech Armour today!
