Masks, a simple protective tool, have been used by people for a long time. They can not only prevent epidemics(时疫), but also protect us from other harmful things, such as smog and chemicals. Let's take a look.
During the1st century, lots of people in the Roman Empire worked underground in mines ( 矿井 ). Pliny the Elder (23-79), a Roman philosopher, used animal bladders ( 膀胱) to protect miners from the dust. This was the first recorded use of protective masks.
Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) advised people to wear a woven (纺织的) cloth dipped (蘸) in water over their faces to protect against harmful chemicals.
In 1848, American Lewis Hassley became the first person to patent (注册专利) a protective mask for miners. In 1897, Polish-Austrian doctor Johann Von Mikulicz Radecki designed a simple mask with one layer of gauze (纱布). This was the first use of a surgical (外科的) mask.
In 1910, the pneumonic plague ( 肺鼠疫 ) broke out in Northeast China.
It was made of two layers of gauze. The mask was praised by experts around the world because it could be produced easily and cheaply.
Today, with several outbreaks of flu and the air pollution in recent years, masks have continued to develop. They can filter out (过滤掉) fine particulate matter ( 微粒物). China is now the world's largest mask producer, making about half of the world's masks.
A. For example, in 2012, when China suffered from smog, mask models such as N95 and KN90 became popular.
B. Chinese doctor Wu Liande designed a face mask called "Wu's mask".
C. These protection masks were made of chemicals.
D. He advised medical workers to wear it to prevent infection.
E. Producing masks throughout time
F. Many died of lung diseases caused by dust.
G. When was the protective mask first invented and how did it develop?
