Personal protective equipment is drugs, technical devices and items designed to reduce or eliminate the influence of harmful external factors on the human body. ICIZ is used both during emergency events and in normal activities, if it is associated with a health risk.
In 2020, the world was swept by the pandemic of the new coronavirus COVID-19, which is distinguished by its exceptional infectiousness and speed of spread. The main ways of its transmission: airborne droplets and through touching objects with which the patient has previously been in contact. This means that when working with infected people, there is a high risk of getting sick for employees of medical institutions. The issue of protecting doctors and nurses has become particularly acute. All those involved in the fight against coronavirus use personal protective equipment for medical staff: a medical gown; gloves; eye protection, for example, masks (the virus enters the body, getting on the mucous membrane of the eyes); medical mask; apron; respirator.
For work with patients with coronavirus infection, WHO recommends respirators of the FFP2 or FFP3 classes. Also, an N95 respirator is recommended as a personal protective equipment for medical workers, which not only filters out 95% of harmful air impurities, but is also focused on filtering very small particles, which include viruses. Note that it is not recommended to purchase professional protective equipment, including respirators, for household use. Currently, against the backdrop of a pandemic around the world, the need for respirators has increased significantly, they are critically lacking for doctors. The purchase of professional funds by ordinary citizens is detrimental to the normal functioning of the medical system. To protect yourself in everyday life, WHO recommends the use of homemade cloth masks, regular scarves and bandanas to cover your mouth and nose. You should also use regular glasses and gloves, wash your hands more often, keep a social distance of at least one and a half meters and, if possible, avoid leaving the house.