Throughout times of poor air quality, many individuals choose to cover their mouth and nose to protect themselves from breathing in wildfire smoke. However, not all masks and facial coverings truly protect the lungs from the dangerous respirable particles present in wildfire smoke. Here’s a breakdown of the intended use and degree of protection offered by each:
Paper mud masks: Additionally called surgical masks, these loose-fitting masks have only one strap and don’t kind a tight seal to the wearer’s face. They’re designed to stop liquid droplets and aerosols coming out of the wearer’s mouth, not filter the air coming in. With no filter and no facial seal, they are not designed to prevent the inhalation of respirable particles found in smoke. Though they may look the identical, dust masks should not respirators and shouldn’t be used for that purpose.
N95s and P100s: These respirators have two units of straps and form a tight seal to the face. The entire respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the most typical, with P100s being more protective (similar to a HEPA filter). Each types can usually 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 accurately, these respirators are efficient at filtering out the small respirable particles found in wildfire smoke. Nonetheless, they do not filter out fumes and gases; for that, see the next type of respirator listed.
Half-face or full-face respirator: Not like N95s and P100s, which are disposable, half-face and full-face respirators provide a good-fitting, versatile facepiece with changeable filter cartridges. N95 particulate filters or purple (P100 or HEPA) filter cartridges will protect towards particulates in wildfire smoke. When used with a mix filter that has an organic vapor cartridge, these respirators would also protect in opposition to harmful fumes and gases. However, neither these respirators nor N95s supply oxygen.
Steps for Using an N95 or P100 Respirator Appropriately
Place the respirator over your nostril and under your chin, with one strap beneath the ears and one strap above. Should you’re wearing a hat, place it over the straps.
Pinch the metal nose clip tightly excessive of your nose.
Replace the respirator when it turns into damaged, soiled or more troublesome to breathe through. It could be vital to make use of a contemporary respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it must type a decent seal across the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t allow a good fit, so wearers must be clean-shaven. Respirators can enhance risk for other medical conditions because it is more troublesome to breathe by means of them. For those who feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, first tell someone, then go to a less smoky area, remove your respirator and seek medical attention.
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