During these unprecedented times, we all face the disorder and devastation caused by the appearance of this Virus.
Here at Asianbiomass we have turned our attention to what is of paramount importance.
Covid-19
THE SUPPLY OF PPE TO KEY WORKERS
- Our team is constantly working to source the best equipment from honest reliable suppliers.
- This is a considerable challenge due to the corrupt nature of some suppliers.
- Constant price increase in the final stages of negotiations hinders the flow of much-needed equipment.
- We have a constant need for supplies and our teams, spread around the globe are striving to satisfy demand.
- If you are a supplier who can provide Genuine Personal Protection Equipment. Please contact us urgently.
- Or You are having difficulty supplying PPE please contact us.
Surgical Masks:
- European Standard (EN14683) must comply 3 levels of Bacterial Filtration Efficiency(BFE1, BFE2, TYPE R).
- In United states, ASTM Standard, which too have 3 standards from low risk of exposure to fluids to high risk of exposure to fluids.
EN14683 Type II/ASTM level 1 mask will need to meet the following specifications:
- Bacteria Filtration Efficiency (BFE): >98% (Size of typical bacteria at 3-5 microns)
- Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE): >99% 0.1 micron particle size
- Differential Pressure (Delta P): <3.0 mm (Breathability – Pressure Difference, low value is better)
- Fluid resistance: 80 mmHg (Measure the ability to resist fluids at a specified pressure; level 1 = 80mmHg, Level 2 = 120 mmHg, level 3 = 160 mmHg)
Respirator Masks
This PPE equipment protects against aerosols (dust, smoke, mist) as well as vapors or gases(disinfectants, anesthetic) and contamination virus such as corona, SARS, H1N1 etc.
European standard EN 149: 2001 which has three classes of disposable particulate respirators (FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3).
- FFP1 Mask:
an aerosol filtration: minimum 80%
Internal leak rate: maximum 22%.
mainly used as a dust mask (home renovations and various types of DIY work). - FFP2 Mask:
an aerosol filtration: minimum 94%
Internal leak rate: maximum 8%
Mainly used in construction, agriculture, and by healthcare professionals against influenza viruses. They are currently used for protection against the coronavirus.
- FFP3 Mask:
Minimum filtration percentage of 99% and
Maximum 2% leakage to the inside,
they protect against very fine particles such as asbestos.
In the United States, NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) standards:
- Class N: no oil resistance. A distinction is made between N95, N99 and N100. The number after the letter indicates the percentage of filtration of suspended particles.
- Class R: mask resistant to oil for up to eight hours. Here again, a distinction is made between R95, R99 and R100.
- Class P: a completely oil-resistant mask. There are also P95, P99 and P100.
2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS AND COVID-19 DISEASE OUTBREAK
Description
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic – the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus. The virus that caused the COVID-19 disease has been named SARS-CoV-2. The initial cases of this disease were associated with a specific seafood and animal market in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. However, widespread transmission has occurred, and as of when the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020, there were more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries.
Virus
Illness is being caused by a newly identified coronavirus. The virus itself has been named SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes is called COVID-19. Coronaviruses are common and typically cause mild to moderate respiratory and cold type symptoms, though certain strains of coronaviruses have caused more severe illness. This newly identified virus is in the same family as the viruses that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which was first identified in Asia in 2003, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which was identified in 2012 with cases still occurring today. A main animal reservoir for the virus that causes SARS is believed to be civet cats, while a main animal reservoir for the virus that causes MERS is believed to be dromedaries (e.g. camels). The reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 is not known at this time. Early evidence indicates that the transmission rate of COVID-19 is higher than the transmission rates of SARS and MERS. People infected with COVID-19 appear to infect many more people than those infected with SARS or MERS. This could be due to several factors – including a lower mortality rate for COVID-19 than SARS and MERS and perhaps different transmission modes.
Health Effects
The symptoms of the illness associated with this novel coronavirus are similar to those caused by influenza and other respiratory illnesses and include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and difficulty breathing. Certain portions of the population are more likely to develop severe cases requiring hospitalization: the elderly and those with underlying conditions of the lungs, heart, or immune system. A portion of people infected with this novel coronavirus have died.
Transmission
This novel coronavirus was originally transmitted to humans via an animal reservoir (source), believed to be an animal that the initial cases encountered at the seafood and animal market in Wuhan. Human-to-human transmission has also occurred, resulting in over 100,000 cases within months of the disease first being reported. Secondary cases (contracted from humans rather than a reservoir) have included both members of the public and also healthcare workers who have had contact with other infected people. Efforts to contain the disease within a specific region or country have been largely unsuccessful.
Recommendations
Members of the Public
WHO recommends that everyone wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their eyes, mouth and nose, cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their elbow (not their hand) when sneezing and coughing, and avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing or sneezing or showing signs of respiratory illness. At this time WHO has not made any recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) use by the general public, including respirators.
Healthcare Workers
The WHO has confirmed that aerosol transmission is a possible transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2. WHO has published guidance intended for healthcare workers (HCWs), healthcare managers, and teams working in infection prevention and control. WHO recommends that eye protection (goggles or a face shield) be used during patient contact along with gloves, a medical mask, and a fluid-resistant gown. Airborne precautions, including an N95, FFP2, or equivalent respirator, should be used during aerosol-generating procedures.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that healthcare workers entering the hospital or clinic room (in a healthcare facility) of a suspected novel coronavirus case use standard precautions, contact precautions, and airborne precautions. This includes non-sterile gloves, a disposable gown, respiratory protection that is at least as protective as a fit-tested NIOSH-approved disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirator, and eye protection (e.g., goggles, a disposable face shield that covers the front and sides of the face).
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
These organizations have also offered guidance for organizations facing a shortage of respirators during this pandemic:
• Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators (U.S. CDC)
• Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)(WHO)
Those potentially in contact with suspected or confirmed cases of this novel coronavirus should review all recommendations by the WHO, CDC, and other health authorities.
Summary
A novel coronavirus has caused a pandemic-scale disease outbreak with confirmed human-to-human transmission. The situation is evolving, and it is recommended that all concerned consult the WHO and U.S. CDC’s websites frequently for the most updated information regarding this situation.