The Food and Drugs Authority has advised producers of face masks to ensure that all masks are pleated for the safety and comfort of users.
The FDA has begun registering individuals and companies with an interest in producing face masks, which are now being worn in the larger cities in Ghana as standard, common-use personal protective equipment.
So far, the FDA has registered 41 companies nationwide to produce face masks. The action is part of the Authority’s efforts to ensure that there is enough personal protective equipment to cater for the needs of the public and health workers in Ghana.
Catch droplets
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Delese Mimi Darko, FDA chief executive officer, stressed the need for layered masks with pleats, so that the item covers the chin and protects the wearer.
“When you make the mask, it is actually advisable to have it pleated. Because when it is pleated, when you put it on, it goes under the chin,” she said.
“If you can’t have it pleated [do not], like I’ve seen many [people] do . . . just do a square mask so that there are holes under. If you have a face like mine that is small, the mask may not fit you and then they become useless,” she said.
“There should also be [at least] three fabric layers, so the outer one with the print and two fabric layers that are plain, and in the middle you have a stiffener.
“The reason is that when you’re talking with someone, there are always some water droplets. These droplets hit the first layer, but may not make it through the third layer to even make contact with your skin or enter through any of the openings on your face.
“That is why we recommend that beyond making them in pleats, they must also have a minimum of three layers,” Mrs Darko said.
She gave a brief on the face masks that have been approved by the FDA. All 41 approved manufacturers have begun producing masks for the mass market.
Atsu Boye
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