After the protective mask expires, its protective performance will significantly decrease, and may even bring health risks, so it is not recommended to continue using it. The following are specific reasons and analysis.
1. Decrease in protective performance
The filter material of the mask will age over time, resulting in reduced filtration efficiency. For example, N95 masks can block more than 95% of particulate matter during the validity period, but this proportion may be greatly reduced after expiration.
Medical protective masks have high requirements for filtration efficiency and tightness, and the protective performance may be affected by material aging after expiration.
2. Material aging and hygiene issues
The materials of the mask (including the outer layer, middle layer and ear straps) will age over time, affecting the wearing comfort and tightness.
Expired masks may be contaminated, especially when they are not sealed for storage, bacteria and mold may have grown on the surface of the mask, increasing the risk of infection.
3. Legal effect and certification expiration
Medical-grade masks are strictly tested and certified during production. After expiration, the validity of these certifications is lost, and their protective effect can no longer be officially recognized.
4. Health Risks
Using expired masks may not effectively block the invasion of viruses and bacteria, increase the risk of infection, and may even cause skin allergies, eczema and other skin diseases.
5. Recommendations for use in special circumstances
If it is a non-N95 grade mask such as a disposable medical mask or a surgical mask, it can be used for a short time in an emergency and when the storage conditions are good and there is no obvious physical damage or odor, but long-term or frequent use should be avoided as much as possible.
For N95 and above protective masks, it is not recommended to continue to use them after expiration.
In order to ensure the protective effect and personal safety, it is recommended to use masks within the validity period and use and store them correctly according to the product instructions. If the mask has expired, it should not be used regardless of whether it is opened. When purchasing a mask, pay attention to the production date and expiration date to avoid affecting the protective effect due to expiration.