Stop The Burning

How can I avoid breathing Haze ?

Dust masks or face masks provide no protection against PM2.5. Nor do surgical masks. Common surgical masks are meant to catch the wearer’s own bodily fluids, such as saliva and nasal discharge, and prevent any infectious liquid droplets from spreading to others. A surgical mask is meant to be worn if you are down with a cold, flu, or cough, and when you are working with patients. They are not designed to protect you from inhaling airborne bacteria, viruses and fine particles. Surgical masks cannot provide adequate protection against fine particles present in smoke and haze.

 

Respirators

Respirators, also known as particulate respirators, are devices designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors or gases.

 

There are two main forms of respirators: disposable and reusable.

 

Disposable Respirators

Disposable respirators are masks that have the word “NIOSH” and either “N95“, “N99“, “N100“, “R95“, “R99“, “R100“, “P95“, “P99” or “P100” printed on them.

 

NIOSH stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It is a U.S. federal agency that conducts research and make recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. A product that bears the word NIOSH means it meets certain standard recommended by the agency.

 

The letter refers to the oil resistance of the respirator as indicated below:

N: Not oil resistant

R: Oil resistant

P: Oil proof

 

The number indicates the minimum amount of airborne particles (in percentage) that the respirator is able to filter. For instance, if a respirator is “N95” certified, it means it can filter at least 95% of particles that do not contain oil.

 

Disposable respirators, such as 3M N95 Particulate Respirator, should come with at least two straps that go around the head, one above the ears and one below. This ensures a tighter and closer fit to prevent particles from seeping through any loose gap. It is important to wear the mask snugly over your nose and under your chin. A mask that is worn loosely will not give adequate protection.

 

Disposable respirators are only meant for single use as their filters cannot be cleaned or replaced. They should be replaced regularly. It should also be noted that disposable respirators usually come in only one adult size. They will not fit children and toddlers.

 

Unused disposable respirators are valid for about three years from the date of manufacture, if they are not opened and are stored properly. Some brands may last longer or shorter; be sure to check the expiry date before use.

 

When used properly, a disposable respirator can protect you from smoke and haze.

 

Reusable Respirators

Examples of reusable respirators are those used by firefighters and people who work with dangerous chemicals. They come in either full face or half face.

 

Reusable respirators that come with an air purifying feature can be fitted with different types of filters to provide the level of protection that you need. 

 

Reusable respirators come in a few different sizes, usually small, medium and large, to fit different faces. That said, they are usually not meant to fit the small face of young kids.

 

One major advantage reusable respirators have over disposable ones is that they conform better to the curves of the face, giving a tighter and more comfortable seal (and hence better protection) than disposable respirators.

 

Unlike disposable respirators, filters on reusable respirators also last longer, can be used multiple times and can be replaced easily.

 

Some reusable respirators can even be connected to an alternative air supply to completely eliminate any chances of inhaling toxic particles.

 

When used properly, reusable respirators are said to offer the best protection against haze and smoke.

 

Bear in mind that if you stay indoors, but still experience haze-related conditions, it may be necessary to wear a respirator indoors as well.

 

Room Air Cleaners

There are many room air cleaners available. But know the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) which means the amount of clean air that a device can produce for a room. A higher CADR indicates greater ability to return clean air to the room.