As the unlock 1.0 begins in India, business and people are waiting to resume with this new normal. The fight was intense with rigorous lockdowns and people used masks, social distancing, and sanitizers to protect themselves from the deadly Corona Virus. But post the unlock, vulnerabilities will be more with social interaction, communions, and interactions happening on a real-time people-to-people basis. There was a lot of publicity going for the N95 masks during the lockdown, where they have proven very effective against the Covid-19 viruses. However, high costs have made them non-accessible by broader strata of society. 

An IIT Assistant Professor has introduced its economical alternative by the name Kawach masks that are very efficient within a low budget. These Indigenous Kawach masks can prevent air droplets as tiny as 3 microns to pierce or penetrate through with 98% filter capacity. In comparison to the N95 masks, Kawach masks are almost 60% to 70% cheaper.

Special Features of The Kawach Masks 

• These masks use multi-layered textile material that is very effective against Covid-19 viruses and pollution.
• They come with enhanced filtration capacity that almost reaches 98% to 99%, which is even superior to the N95 filtering capacity.
• The 3D design makes it at par with the N95 masks for international standards. These specifications even make these masks export ready for trade to other countries. Lately, India has emerged as the 2^nd largest exporter of masks and PPE kits.
• Inner knit layers comply with the international standards for maximum acceptance and safety standards. 
• The ear loops use soft elastic material for maximum comfort during prolonged or extended hours. 
• It is effortless to do donning and doffing. 
• The masks have maximum face area cover protection for enhanced safety and security.
•  Ultra-soft fibrous materials make it comfortable to wear

What are the Testing Parameters followed for the kawach masks? 

1. The Government of India sponsored  Indian Labs named SITRA has approved the filtration functionalities, where it concluded that 98% filter capacity is present in these Kawach masks.
2. The fabric properties are also tested and verified as per the ASTM standards, where officials from the Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering, IIT Delhi has given a green signal for market launch.

What are the precautions to follow while using the Kawach masks? 

• Keep the kawach masks away from sunlight and always store in a dry place. 
• Those who are having breathing difficulty like asthmatic must avoid using these masks.
• The masks must be used with water and detergent properly before re-use.

Efficacy of the Kawach Masks

Colonization of Bacteria & Viruses 

A study conducted in a Chinese Hospital summarized those wearing the Kawach masks or N95 respirators, there was significantly lower bacterial colonization because of the close knitting features. 

Safe in Affected Area 

Dual respiratory virus and the bacterial virus fail to colonize on Kawach masks. Randomized clinical trials concluded that these masks could prevent Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenza type B by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Such features safeguard the person who is wearing the Kawach masks from all types of bacteria and viruses. 

Conclusion 

Kawach masks are economical solutions manufactured in India to prevent the spread of viruses and other respiratory diseases. If you want to stay safe in the pandemic, these masks are the best to pick. Multiple e-commerce platforms are selling these masks. You can order them online and protect your family from the life-threatening corona virus.