The Importance of N95 Masks During Wildfire Season in California

With the wildfires raging in California, many are asked to evacuate. This has led to thousands of people leaving their homes and traveling to safer areas. However, while they are on the go, people are exposed to heavy smoke that irritates the airways and coughs coughing, and breathing difficulties, especially in those who have an existing respiratory condition. As a protective tool, N95 masks should be donned.

In this article, we will look into the importance of N95 masks during wildfire emergencies. In addition, we will also go through some of the budget-friendly products that are effective and can be ordered immediately.

Wildfire Smoke and Its Harmful Effects

When a massive wildfire starts, many hazardous substances get into the air due to the burning of wood, houses, cars, etc. Exposure to these chemicals results in the following conditions as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Eye irritation or itching
• Chest pain
• Irritation of the sinuses
• Wheezing
• Elevated heartbeat
• Scratchy throat

These conditions can be prevented by cutting down the exposure to the smoke that can be done by wearing N95 masks.

An Introduction to N95 Masks

An N95 mask is a protective tool that filters out the air pollutants and block their entry into the air passage way. These masks are made up of polypropylene filter that has a smaller mesh size. This way, the mask can block the particles of size 0.3 microns or above with an efficiency of 95%.

These N95 masks are often disposable but reusable options are also available. Despite their high efficacy against particles, these masks cannot prevent the entry of gases, vapors, as well as harmful chemicals like asbestos.

Most N95 masks are approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Importance of Wearing N95 Masks during Wildfire Season

When it comes to wearing N95 masks to combat air pollutants, their role is undeniable. These masks are effective against multiple kinds of particles and thus act as a shield for the wearer. Some of the benefits achieved by wearing N95 masks are as follows:

1.      Reduced Exposure to Air Pollutants

N95 masks are often considered an essential item while being exposed to thick and acrid smoke. This is because these masks can protect the wearer from the hazardous particles present in the air and thus ease breathing. These are effective against:

• Dust
• Dirt
• Smoke
• Smog
• Particulate matter (particularly PM2.5 and PM10)

2.      Prevention from Future Diseases

Among the common air pollutants, PM2.5 are the particles that are highly dangerous for the lungs as these are known to cause the following:

• Cough
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Inflammation of the respiratory tract
• Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Aggravation of existing respiratory disorders like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.
• Impaired cognitive function
• Heart diseases
• Cancer
• Premature death

The N95 masks, when worn correctly, filters these particles out and thus prevent the user against the possible hazardous health effects.

3.      Assistance to the Immunocompromised Individuals

People who are immunocompromised have comparatively weaker and more vulnerable immune systems. As soon as germs enter their body, their risk of getting an infection becomes significantly high. Wearing N95 masks, especially when many people are staying together in evacuation camps, can prevent the occurrence of infections.

Choosing the Best N95 Masks

While choosing the N95 masks, look for the following:

• Always select an N95 mask that has been approved by the NIOSH.
• Choose N95 masks that are breathable and comfortable for the wearer.
• Make sure that the N95 respirator fully seals the nose and mouth with no leakage.
• The N95 masks with an exhalation valve can be chosen if the wearer feels breathing difficulties while wearing the respirator.

Are Cloth Masks Effective Against Wildfire Smoke?

No, the standard cloth masks are not as effective against the wildfire smoke as N95 masks. This is because the particles in the wildfire smoke are almost a 100 times smaller than the respiratory droplets. The cloth masks can effectively block these droplets but cannot restrict the entry of smaller particulate matter.

If you don’t have access to N95 masks, you can get a furnace filter or MERV 13 filter and attach it to the cloth mask to increase its effectiveness. This way, the assembly can block the entry of smoke particles into the lungs up to an extent.

N95 Masks at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

N95 masks are personal protective tools that work as a shield between the wearer and the air pollutants that are on the rise in the areas affected by wildfires. This smoke is extremely harmful because of the constituents it has as these chemical agents damage the layer of the air passageway and thus cause inflammation.

Owing to their importance during wildfires, multiple companies manufacture N95 masks. Some of these N95 respirators are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:

3M Aura 9205+ N95 Respirator Mask – NIOSH Approved, Flat Fold, Lightweight

US$5.88 to $83.88

Product Details

3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks are one of the best products are one of the best items available in the US market. These have been approved by the NISOH and are now waiting for approval from the FDA. The products are known for their flat fold design that incorporates a chin support. This way, the mask does not slip from its place while compromising the user’s safety from airborne particles.

Being lightweight in construction, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks can be worn throughout the day without being uncomfortable. Their head bands keep the sealing effect up-to-the-mark that makes these products preferred by healthcare providers.

In addition, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks come in individualized packing that keep the product safe and free from germs until the time of use. Furthermore, these products are effective against minute, micron-sized particles that are trapped in the mask layers allowing only the clean air to enter the lungs.

Overall, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks are an excellent choice for healthcare professionals as well as for people living in cities with high air pollution levels. Moreover, individuals living near wildfires should also wear these N95 masks to stay protected.

These 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks are currently on sale at Health Supply 770 with up to 51% price reduction. Hurry up to place an order.

Moldex 1510 N95 Healthcare Respirator & Surgical Mask (20/Box)

US$19.88

Product Details

Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks are highly effective items against microbes including disease-causing bacteria as well as viruses responsible for several respiratory illnesses. Notably, these products protect the wearer from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of T.B.

These Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks have been given approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the NIOSH after careful analysis of their features and efficiency. Moreover, as for their fluid resistance, these face masks carry a value of 160 mm Hg. In addition, these Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks are 99.9% effective against bacterial filtration.

Due to their strong and comfortable construction material, the products can be worn for longer without being uncomfortable. These face masks carry a Softspun lining within them that gives a foamy appearance to the inner lining of the mask. That’s why, the user does not get itching or redness on the face after wearing these Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks for longer.

In addition, the products are also free from natural rubber latex which further reduces the risk of skin irritation. As for minimizing the pressure on the face, the mask has a natural contoured surface. Furthermore, these Moldex N95 masks are also appealing to the eyes as these are available in five different colors.

3M 8511 Particulate Disposable Respirator, N95, Pack of 80

US$39.88 to $154.88

Product Details

3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators are one of the well-known face respirators that are highly effective against wildfire smoke. These have the capacity to filter up to 95% of airborne particles from the inhaled air. These particles include bacteria and viruses, dust, dirt, as well as airborne droplets.

A prominent feature of these 3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators is the cool flow valve system that has been installed in them. The purpose of this valve is to keep the inside of the face mask breezy and cool by preventing the buildup of humidity and heat.

Moreover, these 3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators have nose clips that are M-shaped and have foam attached on them. This way, the mask not only gets sealed around the nose and mouth but also remain comfortable for the wearer.

Apart from these features, the NIOSH recommended head bands have also been installed in the design. These are preferred over the usually affixed ear loops due to the strong seal provided by them along with a snug fitting. In addition, these 3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators are constructed using a highly charged microfibrous material that traps the airborne entities despite remaining breathable.

8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160

US$178.49

Product Details

8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are one of the top-quality respirators that provide a snug fit when worn. These come with two headbands welded on the mask cup to ensure sealing around the mouth and nose. This way, the product remains in place and does not slip or leak.

Moreover, these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks have a filtration capacity of up to 95% and are highly effective against dust, dirt, wildfire smoke, smog, viruses, bacteria, etc. In addition, the products are also comfortable even when worn for longer. Their foam-based design also renders it easy to don and adjust them.

Furthermore, these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are also lightweight and highly breathable owing to their highly electrostatic construction material.

*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The N95 masks mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of products for protection against air pollution.

Conclusion

During a wildfire, most people are exposed to thick smoke that contains tons of harmful chemicals. These particles, when inhaled, affect the respiratory tract, heart, and brain function, as well as become the cause of severe diseases in the future. As a protective measure, the use of N95 masks is recommended.

These masks have multiple layers that filter out the hazardous particles and thus clean the air to ease breathing. In addition, these also restrict the entry of pathogenic entities into the body. Therefore, the risk of contracting a respiratory infection is also lowered.

Owing to their high demand, multiple manufacturers produce and market N95 masks. For purchasing different kinds of N95 masks as well as other respirators, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/index.html