The birth and development of masks: from gauze to to all kind of mask in different standards: N90, N95 KN95, FFP2, FFP3 masks, the important weapon for human fight against epidemic
In the 16th century AD, the shadow of the Black Death loomed over the European continent, and a special “mask” was invented by Charles Delorme. In response to the Black Death, the genius doctor born in France created a mask shaped like a bird’s beak covering the entire face.
The first close contact between masks and medicine
In 1876, advances in medicine had made medical workers, especially surgeons, realize how important it was to avoid direct contact with patients, and Antiseptic surgery was born out of time.
In 1895, German pathologist Ledecky asked doctors and nurses to wear a gauze mask that could cover the mouth and nose during surgery and nursing. Sure enough, the rate of wound infection in patients was significantly reduced. And this has become the first medical mask in the history of modern medicine. However, the function of this mask is not to protect medical workers, but to protect patients in reverse.
In 1970, the United States promulgated the “Occupational Safety and Health Regulations” , and established the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It has effectively promoted the development and application of modern mask technology. Masks are also gradually subdivided into: ordinary masks, disposable medical masks, medical surgical masks, particulate protective masks, medical protective masks, and protective masks due to their different production standards and functional uses.
The N95 mask, which became famous in the “SARS” in 2003 and the “New Coronary Pneumonia” epidemic in 2019, is closely related to the technical standards of 9 kinds of particulate protective masks issued by NIOSH.
The innovation in the standards and types of personal protective equipment reflect the continuous accumulation of valuable experience and the endless exploration of human beings in the process of fighting against infectious diseases.