What Should Children Pay Attention To When Wearing A Mask

According to the WHO, some regions may require children 5 years of age and under to wear masks, and in special circumstances such as close contact with sick people, it may also be necessary for children 5 years of age and under to wear masks. If you need to wear a mask, parents or guardians should always keep the child in their sight and monitor whether the mask is safe to use at any time.

Regarding whether children aged 6-11 need to wear masks, WHO and UNICEF recommend making judgments based on the following conditions: whether there is a large area of virus transmission in the place of residence; the ease of obtaining, cleaning and replacing masks; whether there are adults who can Correctly guide and supervise the safe wearing, removal and use of masks; the potential impact of wearing masks on learning ability and social and psychological development; whether children will come into contact with other high-risk groups, such as the elderly or people with underlying diseases.

WHO and UNICEF believe that the conditions for children 12 years and older to wear masks are the same as adults. However, children who suffer from severe cognitive and breathing disorders and have difficulty in tolerating masks should not be forced to wear masks under any circumstances. They can consider choosing protective masks as substitutes for masks. It should be able to cover the entire face, wrap both sides of the face, and extend below the chin. When wearing it, pay attention to safety to avoid face or eye injuries caused by broken face screen.

The WHO also stated that children should not wear masks when engaging in sports or physical activities, such as running, jumping, and playing, so as not to affect their breathing.

Choose a mask according to the model

According to the performance of masks, children's masks are divided into "child protection masks (F)" and "child hygiene masks (W)". The two types of children's masks are divided into small (S), medium (M) and large (L). Parents can choose the model that suits their children according to their children's age and face shape.

Child protective mask (F). It is a three-dimensional mask with good adhesion and can prevent inhalation of microbes, droplets, dust, pollen and other particles. It can be used in medium pollution or potentially medium risk environments, such as haze days, high flu seasons, and large (level three) public health emergencies in stations, public transportation, airports, supermarkets and other scenarios. The particle filtration efficiency is not less than 95%, and the protection effect is not less than 90%. Both exhalation resistance and inhalation resistance are not higher than 45Pa; the formaldehyde content is not higher than 20mg/kg; the inner material of the mask should not be printed or dyed; the microbiological index should meet the requirements of disposable sanitary products.

Child hygiene mask (W). It is a flat mask with good comfort and can block the spread of microbes, droplets, dust, pollen and other particles. It can be used in low-pollution or low-risk environments, such as daily colds, flus, and general (level 4) public health events in restaurants, classrooms, workplaces, dormitories, etc. The filtration efficiency of particulate matter is not less than 90%, and the filtration efficiency of bacteria is not less than 95%. The ventilation resistance should not be higher than 30Pa; the formaldehyde content should not be higher than 20mg/kg; the inner material of the mask should not be printed or dyed; the microbiological index should meet the requirements of disposable sanitary products.