Throughout times of poor air quality, many individuals select 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. Right here’s a breakdown of the meant use and degree of protection offered by every:

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’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 are not designed to stop the inhalation of respirable particles found in smoke. Although they could look the same, dust masks aren’t respirators and shouldn’t be used for that purpose.
N95s and P100s: These respirators have units of straps and kind a tight seal to the face. Your complete respirator is made of filtering material. N95s are the most common, with P100s being more protective (similar to a HEPA filter). Both types can typically be present in hardware stores and other 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 effective at filtering out the small respirable particles present in wildfire smoke. Nevertheless, they do not filter out fumes and gases; for that, see the following 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 offer a good-fitting, flexible 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 natural vapor cartridge, these respirators would also protect towards harmful fumes and gases. Nonetheless, 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. In the event you’re wearing a hat, place it over the straps.
Pinch the metal nostril clip tightly excessive of your nose.
Substitute the respirator when it turns into damaged, dirty or more difficult to breathe through. It may be necessary to make use of a recent respirator daily.
For a respirator to provide protection, it should form a tight seal across the mouth and nose. Facial hair doesn’t allow a good fit, so wearers ought to be clean-shaven. Respirators can improve risk for different medical conditions because it is more troublesome to breathe through them. Should you really feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, first inform someone, then go to a less smoky space, remove your respirator and seek medical attention.

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