The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned that fabric face masks do not prevent individuals from contracting the coronavirus disease but have been found to contribute to reducing the spread of infections when used widely in conjunction with other measures.
The director general of the agency, Prof Christianah Adeyeye disclosed this in a press statement as states begin to enforce compulsory use to curtail the spread of the COVID-19.
She also stated that several washes, drying and stretching of the fabric mask over time would reduce its effectiveness.
She explained that non-medical face masks which include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of clothes, other textiles or other materials such as paper are not standardised and are not intended for use in healthcare settings or by healthcare professionals.
She said such masks only limit the spread of droplets and when over washed lose their effectiveness.
“It must be noted that several washes, drying, and stretching of the mask over time reduce the effectiveness of the mask.”
“Non-medical face masks include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of clothes, other textiles or other materials such as paper.
“They are not standardised and are not intended for use in healthcare settings or by healthcare professionals. They serve to limit the spread of droplets and offer some measure of protection to those around you.
“The material of construction is usually clothes (textile fabric), non-woven wadding, or paper-like materials. For these barrier masks, 100 per cent cotton is preferred though; polyester, linen, or knit fabric can be used,” she said.
She advised that fabric masks should be used alongside measures such as social distancing, not touching the face, eyes or mouth, and washing of hands with soap for 20 seconds or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
She advised users to ensure that such face masks recommended for daily wash are double-layered to guarantee the absorbency and their effectiveness.
