Throughout occasions of poor air high quality, many individuals choose to cover their mouth and nostril to protect themselves from breathing in wildfire smoke. However, not all masks and facial coverings truly protect the lungs from the harmful respirable particles present in wildfire smoke. Here’s a breakdown of the meant use and stage of protection offered by every:
Paper dust masks: Also called surgical masks, these loose-fitting masks have only one strap and don’t kind a good seal to the wearer’s face. They are designed to stop liquid droplets and aerosols popping out of the wearer’s mouth, not filter the air coming in. With no filter and no facial seal, they don’t seem to be designed to prevent the inhalation of respirable particles found in smoke. Though they could look the same, dust masks usually are not respirators and should not be used for that purpose.
N95s and P100s: These respirators have units of straps and form a good seal to the face. The complete respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the commonest, with P100s being more protective (just like a HEPA filter). Both types can typically be found in hardware stores and other retail outlets. These respirators are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), so look for “NIOSH” and the designation “N95” or “P100” on the respirator.
When worn appropriately, these respirators are effective at filtering out the small respirable particles present in wildfire smoke. However, they don’t filter out fumes and gases; for that, see the subsequent type of respirator listed.
Half-face or full-face respirator: In contrast to N95s and P100s, which are disposable, half-face and full-face respirators supply a decent-fitting, versatile facepiece with changeable filter cartridges. N95 particulate filters or purple (P100 or HEPA) filter cartridges will protect against particulates in wildfire smoke. When used with a combination filter that has an natural vapor cartridge, these respirators would additionally protect towards harmful fumes and gases. However, neither these respirators nor N95s supply oxygen.
Steps for Utilizing an N95 or P100 Respirator Appropriately
Place the respirator over your nostril and under your chin, with one strap below the ears and one strap above. If you happen to’re wearing a hat, place it over the straps.
Pinch the metal nose clip tightly over the top of your nose.
Replace the respirator when it becomes damaged, soiled or more difficult to breathe through. It could be essential to use a recent respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it must form a tight seal across the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t enable a good fit, so wearers needs to be clean-shaven. Respirators can increase risk for different medical situations because it’s more difficult to breathe by means of them. In case you really feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, first inform somebody, then go to a less smoky area, remove your respirator and seek medical attention.
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