How should we distinguish medical masks from non-medical masks?

The continuous outbreak of covid-19 in foreign countries has increased the demand for anti-epidemic substances such as masks. Due to the different standards of various countries, the export of non-surgical masks for medical purposes has occurred from time to time.On March 31, the ministry of commerce, together with the general administration of customs and the food and drug administration, issued the "announcement on orderly export of medical materials" (no. 5 in 2020), requiring the export of five types of products such as medical masks to obtain the relevant qualifications of the national drug regulatory authorities and meet the quality standards of the importing country (region).

How to distinguish between medical and non-medical masks?

1.Basic classification and subdivision of masks,

Masks can be divided into two categories: medical/non-medical.As the name suggests, surgical masks are mainly used for medical protection, which can be subdivided into three types: medical protection, medical surgery and disposable medical treatment.Non-surgical masks are also known as personal protective masks and can be subdivided into two types according to their applicable scenarios: anti-particulate and daily protection.The technical requirements and application range of masks for different purposes are different.

2.Distinguish medical/non-medical masks by their appearance and packaging information

Distinguish by mask structure

Resolved by filter valve.Masks with filter valves are not usually surgical masks.For example, article 4.3 of GB 19803-2010, the standard of Chinese medical respirator, clearly stipulates that "the mask shall not have an exhalation valve", so as to prevent droplets and microorganisms from exhaling through the exhalation valve, thereby harming others.While the civil mask is allowed to have an exhalation valve, through the exhalation valve can reduce the expiratory resistance, so as to facilitate the long working hours of operators.

3.By the information on the packaging

The smallest unit package of mask products sold in the normal way should have information such as the name of the product, the standard of execution and the protection level.As a point of differentiation, such as those with the words "surgical" or "Medical" in the name of the product, can be considered surgical masks.

4.

There are three medical mask standards in China: GB 19083-2010, YY 0469-2011 and YY/T 0699-2013.

Medical mask standards in China, the United States (FDA ASTM F2100)and Europe(CE EN14683)