Throughout occasions of poor air quality, many people choose to cover their mouth and nose to protect themselves from breathing in wildfire smoke. However, not all masks and facial coverings really protect the lungs from the harmful respirable particles found in wildfire smoke. Right here’s a breakdown of the meant use and degree of protection offered by each:

Paper mud masks: Also called surgical masks, these loose-fitting masks have only one strap and don’t form a decent 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 don’t seem to be designed to stop the inhalation of respirable particles found in smoke. Although they may look the identical, mud masks aren’t respirators and shouldn’t be used for that purpose.
N95s and P100s: These respirators have two sets of straps and form a good seal to the face. All the respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the most typical, with P100s being more protective (much like a HEPA filter). Both types can usually be present 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 correctly, 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 following 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 replaceable filter cartridges. N95 particulate filters or purple (P100 or HEPA) filter cartridges will protect against particulates in wildfire smoke. When used with a mixture filter that has an natural vapor cartridge, these respirators would additionally protect towards dangerous fumes and gases. Nonetheless, neither these respirators nor N95s supply oxygen.
Steps for Using an N95 or P100 Respirator Correctly

Place the respirator over your nose and under your chin, with one strap under the ears and one strap above. In case you’re wearing a hat, place it over the straps.
Pinch the metal nostril clip tightly over the top of your nose.
Exchange the respirator when it turns into damaged, soiled or more difficult to breathe through. It may be vital to use a recent respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it should form a tight seal around the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t allow a tight fit, so wearers should be clean-shaven. Respirators can increase risk for different medical conditions because it is more tough to breathe by way of them. If you happen to really feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, first tell somebody, then go to a less smoky space, remove your respirator and seek medical attention.

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