Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Personal Protection Items - Dust Masks




Working outside in the yard or at the farm can cause serious problems for many people. Simple things like dust or pollen in the air can cause difficulty breathing or trigger strong allergic reactions if you happen to be susceptible to the effects of airborne dust and pollens. The act of working with your chainsaws or table saws will put minute particles in the air that can endanger your lungs and the ability to breathe properly.

When working indoors, strong fumes from household cleaning products can also leave dangerous fumes in the air and pose a serious risk to your health. Even a simple dust mask will help you avoid problems associated with exposure to hazards in the air you breathe. There are a number of different types of masks available but even the cheapest ones will afford you a small measure of protection. When possible, try to find masks with a NIOSH (NIOSH stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) N-95 rating.


Every breath you take is important. Make it a clean one!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

6 comments:

Ken said...

...yep,more good advice,got me a bunch of those blue 'baggy' medical masks too...
...put a couple of those on you and yer buds,then walk around the china-mart,and gauge folks reactions...lol...what a hoot...

riverwalker said...

To: Ken

A simple solution to what can be a big problem.

Thanks Ken!

RW

BTW, I haven't got to the point where I wear one at the big box store...yet! LOL

Unknown said...

N-95 means that it stops 95% of the crud and it's NOT oil-resistant.

R-95 stops 95% of the crud and IS oil resistant.

P-95 stops 95% of the crud is oil-PROOF.

I believe they'll be equivalent for disease prevention but the test methods for determining the ratings are different. N-95 masks are tested with saline droplets, R-95 and P-95 are tested with something oilier.

If you can't find N-95 masks you can probably find the R-95 or P-95 masks in any home-improvement store.

If you have a compromised immune system, you'll want to look for something with more filtration, probably 99% or better -- read more $$$.

The masks with exhalation valves are MUCH more comfortable, since they don't hold the heat and moisture of your breath as much. They won't prevent someone from catching something from the wearer, though. For that, one of the gauze masks on the sick person would be better. Don't use duct tape if it's someone you care about.

riverwalker said...

To: Gary

Thanks for the breakdown on the different ratings...very good info!

"Don't use duct tape if it's someone you care about." LOL

Thanks Gary!

RW

Anonymous said...

Good post RW. These are great for people who have allergies. I like to wear them if I mow the yard. I don't mow often so when I do it really bothers me.

matthiasj
Kentucky Preppers Network

riverwalker said...

To: matthiasj

I get compost for my garden from a mushroom farm that is located in my area. If it's windy, you sure don't want to be shoveling that stuff without one...did it once and that was the last time!

Thanks Matt!

RW

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