It has been over a year since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, and nowadays, it has become a necessity for everyone to wear masks when going out. It's hard to ignore the sight of people wearing masks of various colors on the streets. While the majority opt for the classic blue ones, there are also individuals sporting pink, white, black, and even red masks to complement the vibrant spring evenings. However, one might wonder why medical masks are predominantly blue.
Although medical masks used to be white in the early years, it was soon discovered that the combination of white coats and white masks worn by medical personnel would reflect light under the bright lights, leading to visual fatigue among both the medical staff and the patients. To address this issue, the color of the masks was changed to a cool blue. This not only reduced reflections but also added a touch of variety to the overall appearance, preventing a monotonous and overly impetuous atmosphere. Furthermore, the blue masks proved helpful in uplifting the mood of patients. It's important to note that medical staff often come into contact with blood and other bodily secretions while treating various patients. Unlike white masks, blue masks don't show stains as prominently, effectively reducing the tension in the medical environment.
Someone might wonder why surgical gowns are often seen in blue or green colors. Even if someone hasn't had a personal experience with surgery, they may have come across this attire while watching medical TV shows. It's interesting to note that medical staff typically wear white coats in their regular duties, but opt for blue or green surgical gowns in the operating room. This distinct color choice serves a specific purpose within the medical field.
The reason why medical staff often opt for blue or green surgical gowns instead of white coats is due to the fact that white easily gets dirty. Medical professionals constantly need to clean and disinfect their white coats in order to maintain a clean and tidy appearance. However, surgeons and nurses who perform operations frequently encounter red blood stains that can create a striking visual effect and heighten psychological tension when splattered on a white coat. Moreover, prolonged exposure to a specific color can cause "complementary afterimages" to occur. In other words, when medical staff look away after gazing at red for an extended period, they may perceive the complementary color of red, which is green. Therefore, medical staff have switched to blue or green surgical gowns to alleviate visual distress, reduce eye fatigue from prolonged exposure to red, and help preserve the brain's sensitivity to the color red.
Hence, there is a solid scientific rationale behind the recommendation for doctors to don surgical gowns in blue or green hues, coupled with wearing blue masks.