To wear or not to wear: Are copper face masks effective against coronavirus?

Face masks have become a necessity in our daily lives since March of last year when the government enforced a strict lockdown to minimize the spread of the new coronavirus.

Since then, we have seen many variations of the item - from colorful to fashionable to scented, among others.

Recently, face masks made out of copper have been trending and selling because of their supposed ability to ward off the virus.

Copper, as some experts say, can kill microbes and help minimize the spread of salmonella, E. coli, and influenza.

These claims have led to the popularity of copper-infused face masks as people constantly look for products that could help protect them against the deadly virus.

Off limits

A recent advisory poster at the Makati Medical Center, however, prohibited people who are wearing copper face masks from entering the hospital premises.

The announcement made a buzz on social media, with many asking the reason behind the memo.

Makati Medical Center's first advisory poster

Copper face masks, or at least some of them, are designed with holes in the chin area thus making it unreliable to stop respiratory droplets from coming in and going out.

The ban also applies to all kinds of face masks with valves or vents due also to their ineffectiveness to prevent droplets from spreading.

Tinted face shields are also prohibited.

To clarify the matter, the Makati Medical Center yesterday, January 6, issued a revised version of the advisory.

The latest memo clearly states that “masks or respirators with exhalation valves, vents, slits or holes” are not allowed in the hospital.

“MakatiMed's Infection Prevention & Control recommends the use of secure-fit face masks without valves, slits, or holes for the safety and wellness of its patients, guests, and healthcare workers while inside the hospital,” the hospital said on Facebook.

“Tinted face shields are also not allowed for the security of everyone within its premises.”

Effectiveness

In related news, the Department of Health (DOH) has stated that copper face masks are not included in the list approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“FDA has released advisory 2020-1181 which has the list of FDA notified medical face masks. In the said list, the copper mask is not included which means that they are not medical-grade,” the statement reads.

“Nevertheless, considering that it is still a face mask, it can still prevent the spread of COVID-19 mainly by acting as a physical barrier for droplets when a person emits droplets.”

So what's the real deal and how efficient copper face masks are in preventing the spread of COVID-19?

Karrera Djoko, a biochemist and microbiologist at Durham University, said that copper can release reactive ions that puncture the exterior of a germ, disrupting its genetic material in the process.

But while studies reaffirm copper's antibacterial properties, it's worth noting that there are other factors to be considered as well.

For one, a face mask needs to have enough copper on it to effectively combat viruses.

“If your mask is only 1% copper, that means it's 99% not copper,” Djoko said candidly.

A mask with less copper component is just as good as any regular mask.

In the end, proper hygiene, observing physical distancing, and wearing closed, airtight mask are still the essential practices recommended to avoid the virus.

“Copper is a fantastic fashion choice,” said Michael Johnson, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona.

“You're going to look fabulous. It just might not work the way you think.”

Meanwhile, here are stylish face masks to amplify your 'new normal' OOTDs: