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Peter Tsai, inventor of N95 mask filter, comes out of retirement to fight COVID-19

Peter Tsai, the inventor of the N95 mask filter, has now resumed work on sterilizing the masks in March -- two years after he entered sabbatical

Sentinel Digital Desk

Guwahati: Peter Tsai, the inventor of the synthetic N95 mask filter which is considered one of the most effective barriers to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, has come out of retirement after the virus took hold in the United States, where he currently stays.

He has now resumed work on sterilizing the masks in March -- two years after he entered sabbatical -- as the coronavirus took hold in the US, and in a recent interview he said that he did so "to help the health workers." In a recent podcast, Peter Tsai said that since the healthcare workers are putting their lives at risk, what he knows can help them.

Peter Tsai, the inventor of the N95 mask filter, says that not wearing masks is a "selfish" thing to do. "Some people said, 'I don't care. I do not need to wear a mask,'" Tsai said. "That is very selfish because you expose your germs to other people. So any mask is good", said the inventor of n95 mask.

Peter Tsai, after undertaking a trial and error method, has said that he recommends buying seven N95 masks and rotating them, using a new one each day. After using one mask, he hangs it in an isolated spot and doesn't use it again for seven days, so any bacteria it catches become inactive.

There are numerous questions over what kinds of masks one should wear as a defense during the coronavirus pandemic. The n95 mask has also entered the discussion as it is the go-to mask for medical professionals. Here are some of the common questions associated with the mask:

What is an N-95 respirator mask?

An N-95 respirator mask is a respiratory protective device with high filtration efficiency to airborne particles. To provide the requisite air seal to the wearer, such masks are designed to achieve a very close facial fit.

Is the N95 mask effective for COVID-19?

Health experts are of the opinion that face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, help slow the spread of the virus.

How long can you wear the N95 mask?

Although the N95 respirators are the most effective face covering, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against the public purchasing and wearing them. They're fitted to fit physicians' faces and can often become uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.