Why is PPE used? 

     

     Different types of PPE are designed to protect against certain hazards, which include airborne, biological, contact, and radioactive hazards. In a healthcare setting, airborne and biological protection are most likely needed. When making PPE, the likelihood of encountering such hazards, their toxicity and amount, and potential efficacy of decontamination are taken into account [2]. Therefore, the biology of PPE is designed to protect the individual by providing an impermeable barrier between a possible hazardous agent and the person. In addition to this, PPE must be designed to fit comfortably and work in environments where climate, weather, and other factors might influence the usage of PPE and its efficacy [2].

     

      The most common PPE being used in healthcare settings for the COVID-19 pandemic are N95 respirators, surgical face masks, face shields, gloves, and gowns. Face masks have become very important to this pandemic, as they became a main symbol as well as an item for preventing the spread of disease. Both N95 and surgical face masks are used in healthcare settings because of their fairly high filter rate (95% for N95 masks and around 60-80% for medical masks), snugness on face, and ability to block droplets [3]. For homemade and informal PPE that many people have been making and distributing to their communities, a double layer fabric type face mask is most useful in preventing droplets from spreading [3]. In combination with PPE, regimented hand-washing and keeping the hands away from the face are best ways to prevent germs from spreading or creating cross contamination. 

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