Throughout times of poor air quality, many individuals select 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 found in wildfire smoke. Here’s a breakdown of the supposed use and level of protection offered by each:

Paper dust 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 cease 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 stop the inhalation of respirable particles found in smoke. Although they might look the same, mud masks aren’t respirators and shouldn’t be used for that purpose.
N95s and P100s: These respirators have two sets of straps and kind a decent seal to the face. The entire respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the most typical, with P100s being more protective (much like a HEPA filter). Both types can typically be found in hardware stores and other retail outlets. These respirators are licensed 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 correctly, these respirators are effective at filtering out the small respirable particles found 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: Not like N95s and P100s, which are disposable, half-face and full-face respirators supply a tight-fitting, versatile facepiece with replaceable 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 combination filter that has an natural vapor cartridge, these respirators would additionally protect in opposition to 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 nostril and under your chin, with one strap under the ears and one strap above. For those who’re wearing a hat, place it over the straps.
Pinch the metal nose clip tightly excessive of your nose.
Substitute the respirator when it becomes damaged, soiled or more difficult to breathe through. It might be crucial to use a recent respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it must form a tight seal around the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t enable a decent fit, so wearers should be clean-shaven. Respirators can improve risk for other medical situations because it is more troublesome to breathe by way of them. If you happen to feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, first inform someone, then go to a less smoky space, remove your respirator and search medical attention.

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