Makati Medical Center recently made rounds on the internet when they reminded their clients and patients that face masks with valves, slits, or holes are not allowed in their premises.
With this reminder, netizens questioned the effectivity of copper masks which had holes at the bottom.
Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1999 Miriam Quiambao shared on her Facebook page an explanation why there are holes in copper masks and the post of MakatiMed ruins the entrepreneurs who profit from selling copper masks.
In clarifying whether copper masks are successful in preventing the spread of coronavirus, the post said that the holes below the chin is for breathing to be easier.
However, MakatiMed Director Dr. Saturnino Javie explained that the holes at the chin could promote, instead of prevent the spread of the virus.
A statement from the prominent healthcare center explained why they discourage the use of copper masks. It said: “MakatiMed earlier released a memo stating that masks with exhalation valves or vents are not recommended to be used in the hospital because these types of masks may not prevent the user from spreading COVID-19 to others. Masks with slits or holes located near the mouth or nose may also allow respiratory droplets to be dispersed in the air.”
Dr. Janice Caoli also added that those face masks with valves, slits, or holes are not allowed in the premises of MakatiMed.
She said, “Infection Prevention and Control Department reiterates to all patients, visitors, healthcare workers, employees, and outsourced service providers that masks or respirators with exhalation valves, vents, slits, or holes are not allowed in the premises of Makati Medical Center. Individuals wearing masks in the hospital will be required to put on a surgical mask to cover the defect—for your own protection.”
Effective or not?
Scientists have proven that copper really can limit the spread of certain viruses. There was also a report from The New York Times that the New England Journal of Medicine researchers have concluded that under controlled conditions, coronavirus couldn’t last more than a few hours on copper surfaces, compared with a couple of days on stainless steel or plastic.
However, there was also a big chance that it could also accelerate of infection from coronavirus.
This was suggested by Karrera Djoko, a biochemist and microbiologist at Durham University in England.
Dr. Djoko explained to The New York Times that when copper physically contacts a germ like coronavirus, it can release reactive ions that puncture the bug’s exterior. As the ions penetrate the bug’s innards, they also spread those same germs on the copper.
Microbiologist Michael Johnson at the University of Arizona also agreed with this.
Dr. Johnson said in an interview with the New York Times that metal ions, like iron or zinc, are found in about 40 percent of proteins with known structures, and most likely play essential roles in their function. But copper that finds its way into a cell or a virus can destroy its own proteins.
Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Martinello of Yale School of Medicine stated that a mask made entirely of copper would not allow its wearer to breathe easily. Plus, it would be very expensive.
The reason why according to Dr. Martinello is that a real copper mask is almost unbreathable because copper would have to be incorporated into every single fiber to fully live up to its potential. And experts are unsure how much copper is actually in these antimicrobial masks.
