Carelessness in face mask disposal ups risk of infection

By Narayan Adhikari ,Kathmandu - Poor management of huge number of used facemasks along with the infection of the pandemic coronavirus has become a matter of security concerns in Chitwan lately. The face marks thrown away hither and thither could further exacerbate the spread of the virus, the experts warned. Senior physician of Bharatpur Hospital Dr Mahendra Agrahari said that lack of appropriate disposal of the mask could fuel the virus infection.

This is because the swab, mucus, saliva and sputum imbedded in the inner part of the used face masks also can help spread the virus if the face masks used by the general public were not well disposed. Chief of Health Office, Chitwan, Dipak Tiwari admitted that the face masks disposal is not up to the mark. After its use, face mask should be disposed in a covered-dustbin. If dustbin is not available, the face mask should be sealed in a plastic before its disposal, Dr Agrahari said.

Agrahari was of the view that the germs in the masks can survive upto 3 to 4 days since the masks contain metallic contents and plastic and chances are high for the infection if the face masks were thrown away carelessly. The masks thrown in public places are likely to ignite infection once the masks were taken to another place by dogs and cats. Dr Agrahari hoped that it would be a great support to the society if people were serious for the appropriate use and disposal of the face masks while stressing the need for massive public awareness for the same.