Smoke from wildfires can be hazardous to your health, and this is especially true if you are in close proximity to a wildfire that is currently burning or if you reside in an area that is prone to wildfires. If you have reason to believe that you may be exposed to the smoke from wildfires, it is imperative that you be informed about the quality of the air around you and take measures to guarantee your safety. It is recommended that you wear a mask that is capable of filtering out harmful pollutants whenever you are going to be spending time outside in times when there is a high concentration of wildfire smoke. This will help to ensure that your lungs receive the maximum amount of protection from these pollutants that is possible.
Concerns Raised by Exposure to Smoke from Wildfires
Exposure to smoke from wildfires can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, itchy mouth and throat, burning nose, and reddened eyes. According to CNN Health, being exposed to it for an excessive amount of time or on a regular basis might result in major health issues such as lung inflammation or even cancer. In addition, it makes preexisting medical issues, such as asthma and heart disease, significantly worse. When exercising outside in smokey air, you should take extra precautions because even brief exposure might make it difficult for your lungs to take in oxygen; you should exercise extreme caution. Another material that can be produced by wildfires is ozone, which has been associated with an increased risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. On days when there are active fires in the area, you may want to think about wearing a mask if you are going to be outside; if you don’t want to go outside, you can get masks online.
Will a face mask keep the smoke from wildfires out of my lungs?
Even when worn, face masks are not effective against all types of smoke. Even though the vast majority of face masks available in North America offer protection against dust, wood chips, and other small particles, they are not able to efficiently filter out bigger pollutants such as smoke from wildfires. It is highly recommended that you evacuate the area if you are going to be near a wildfire. On the other hand, if you or your family are unable to do that, you should give some thought to protecting yourselves by using a suitable respirator. Your best bet is probably a mask with a N95 rating; nevertheless, there is a possibility that it will not be able to filter out all of the particulate matter.
Which face mask would you recommend I get?
If you find yourself in an area that is impacted by smoke from wildfires, you may want to bring along one of two distinct types of masks with you: one that protects against particulate matter (PM), and another that protects against chemicals. PM masks will have a snug fit and filter out smaller particles like ash and dust, whereas chemical masks will have a loose fit and form a seal over your mouth and nose to protect you from gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. PM masks and chemical masks both filter out smaller particles. It doesn’t matter what kind of mask you’re looking for; the most important thing is that it has a snug fit over your mouth and nose. The mask won’t be effective if it doesn’t create a good seal around your face. If you have the option, select a respirator with a rating of N-95 or above. Below you’ll find three N95 masks that have received high ratings.
Benehal 6219 N95 Mask NIOSH Approved
NIOSH Approved Shining Star SS9001-N95 Respirator Mask
Fangtian FT-N010 N95 mask CDC NIOSH Particulate Respirator
How to Select the Most Appropriate Face Mask for the Wildfires
You should always have a dependable face mask with you in case there is a wildfire in the area. As the season for wildfires draws closer, now is a good time to start making preparations. When choosing a mask to wear, the three most important considerations are whether it fits properly, if it is safe, and whether it is pleasant. In addition to that, check to see if the masks you will be getting are still in use. The N95 masks typically have a shelf life of between two and three years.
What is the proper way to apply a face mask?
- If smoke from wildfires is blowing across your city, it is recommended that you protect your respiratory system by donning a face mask whenever you go outside.
- After positioning the mask so that it covers your nose and rests under your chin, position one of the straps below your ears and the other over them.
- Make sure that there is no opening for air to pass through at the borders of the mask. If there is even the slightest crack around the perimeter of the mask, unfiltered air will be able to enter.
- Pull the metal portion of the mask close over the bridge of your nose and pinch it tight.
- To ensure that the product has a secure face seal, follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Masks have a better fit on freshly shaved skin. Bearded people cannot wear masks because the facial hair prevents the mask from properly sealing.
- It is not recommended that children use masks.
- You should get rid of your mask if it becomes difficult to breathe through it, if it sustains damage, or if the inside becomes unclean.
- It is more difficult to breathe wearing a mask, so if you work outside you should take frequent pauses.
- If you start to feel lightheaded or queasy, move to a location with less smoke, take off your mask, and seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve.