Throughout instances of poor air 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 actually protect the lungs from the dangerous respirable particles present in wildfire smoke. Here’s a breakdown of the intended use and stage of protection offered by each:
Paper dust masks: Also called surgical masks, these loose-fitting masks have only one strap and don’t form a tight seal to the wearer’s face. They are designed to cease 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 aren’t designed to stop the inhalation of respirable particles present in smoke. Although they might look the same, dust masks are usually not respirators and shouldn’t be used for that purpose.
N95s and P100s: These respirators have two sets of straps and type a good seal to the face. Your entire respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the commonest, with P100s being more protective (much like a HEPA filter). Each types can often be found in hardware stores and different retail outlets. These respirators are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), so search 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 present in wildfire smoke. Nevertheless, they don’t 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 substituteable filter cartridges. N95 particulate filters or purple (P100 or HEPA) filter cartridges will protect in opposition to 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. Nevertheless, neither these respirators nor N95s provide oxygen.
Steps for Using an N95 or P100 Respirator Appropriately
Place the respirator over your nose 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 nostril clip tightly excessive of your nose.
Replace the respirator when it turns into damaged, soiled or more difficult to breathe through. It might be essential to use a recent respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it must kind a decent seal around the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t permit a good fit, so wearers ought to be clean-shaven. Respirators can increase risk for other medical situations because it’s more difficult to breathe by way of them. For those who really 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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