During times of poor air quality, many people select to cover their mouth and nose to protect themselves from breathing in wildfire smoke. Nonetheless, 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 supposed use and level of protection offered by every:
Paper mud masks: Additionally 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 coming 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 stop the inhalation of respirable particles present in smoke. Though they may look the identical, mud 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 good seal to the face. All the respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the commonest, with P100s being more protective (similar to a HEPA filter). Each types can usually be found in hardware stores and different 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 efficient at filtering out the small respirable particles found in wildfire smoke. Nevertheless, 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 provide a tight-fitting, flexible facepiece with exchangeable filter cartridges. N95 particulate filters or purple (P100 or HEPA) filter cartridges will protect against particulates in wildfire smoke. When used with a mix filter that has an organic vapor cartridge, these respirators would additionally protect towards harmful fumes and gases. However, neither these respirators nor N95s provide oxygen.
Steps for Using an N95 or P100 Respirator Accurately
Place the respirator over your nose 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 nostril clip tightly excessive of your nose.
Change the respirator when it turns into damaged, dirty or more difficult to breathe through. It may be crucial to use a fresh respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it should kind a good seal around the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t allow a tight fit, so wearers should be clean-shaven. Respirators can enhance risk for different medical circumstances because it’s more difficult to breathe by way of them. Should you feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, first inform somebody, then go to a less smoky area, remove your respirator and search medical attention.
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