[Fact Check] Is the 'N95 Mask' More Effective in Preventing COVID-19 in Daily Life?

Medical Staff Show High Interest in N95 Masks... But Proper Use Makes Wearing Them for 1 Hour Difficult, Burdens Daily Life

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] “I heard that the ‘N95 mask’ used by medical staff is more effective in preventing COVID-19.” “Since it is a product recognized in the United States, wouldn’t it be better?”

As concerns about the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spread, various discussions about masks are circulating on internet communities and SNS (social networking services). One of the main interests is the question of which mask is more advantageous for preventing COVID-19.

The most commonly used masks on the market are KF 94 and KF 80. KF stands for Korea Filter. KF 94 and KF 80 refer to health masks certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. KF 80 blocks more than 80% of fine particles with an average particle size of 0.6μm (micrometers). KF 94 blocks more than 94% of fine particles with an average particle size of 0.4μm.

Officials from the Facilities and Environment Team of Incheon International Airport Corporation are conducting disinfection work at the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport on January 21 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, known as "Wuhan pneumonia." Following confirmed cases in the country, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the infectious disease alert level from "Interest" to "Caution" and activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and local government task forces to strengthen community surveillance and response.
Yeongjongdo ? Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Since KF 94 blocks smaller fine particles at a higher rate, it can be considered more effective than KF 80 in blocking COVID-19 or fine dust. Then, can the N95 mask, which is mainly used by medical staff, be considered more effective than KF 94? The key interest is whether it is more advantageous for the general public to wear N95 masks if possible.

N95 masks are based on standards set by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). They are similar to KF 94 by Korean standards. The "N" stands for "Not resistant to oil," meaning it has no resistance to oil-based particles. The "95" indicates a filtration efficiency of 95% or higher for fine particles.

Although N95 masks used by medical staff are relatively more expensive, if they are more advantageous in preventing COVID-19 infection, it could lead to increased demand among the general public. While N95 masks have advantages in terms of fine particle filtration for a certain period, their practicality in daily life is a different matter.

According to the Korean Medical Association, healthy adults without special illnesses are not necessarily required to wear masks during daily life or outdoor activities. However, mask-wearing is recommended to prevent infection when there is a risk of COVID-19 exposure.

In materials related to COVID-19, the Korean Medical Association explains, “The Korean Medical Association recommends using masks of KF80 or higher,” and adds, “Infections through droplets, the main transmission route, can be largely blocked by general masks.” This means there is no need to insist on masks with higher fine particle filtration capabilities.

3M 'N95 Mask'.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, to use masks properly, one must wear the mask so that the mouth and nose are completely covered and check that there are no gaps between the face and the mask. Also, during mask use, one should not touch the mask, and if touched, hands should be washed with soap and water or cleaned with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The reason the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends compliance with mask-wearing guidelines is due to the side effects of repeatedly putting on and taking off masks during daily life. Increasing the frequency of removing and wearing masks raises the chances of exposure to viruses and various contaminants, which can ultimately increase the risk of infection.

Moreover, experts do not recommend N95 masks for everyday use by the general public because they can cause breathing difficulties.

Kim Dae-ha, Public Relations Director of the Korean Medical Association, pointed out, “It is difficult to wear an N95 mask properly for even one hour. It is hard to wear it during daily life. Because it causes shortness of breath, people tend to take it off and put it back on, which can contaminate the mask due to improper handling.”

Kim added, “If you are not in contact with a confirmed (COVID-19) patient, a KF80 mask is sufficient, and even lower grades have considerable blocking effects against droplets.”