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As unprecedented and ferocious bushfires hit Australia in 2019 and the first few months of 2020, Australians were exposed to hazardous levels of air pollution. Australians worry about the health impact of bushfire smoke. People take action to protect their health and wear facemasks to prevent harmful smoke particles from entering their body. Read this blog to find out which facemasks will best protect you from bushfire smoke.
Australians have suffered greatly through the 2019/2020 bushfire crisis, especially those living in NSW, Victoria and the ACT where the smoke blanketed rural areas, towns and the density of the smoke has been affecting the air quality for millions of people living in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Canberra's air quality reached 22 times the "hazardous" levels, making it the most polluted city in the world.
Are you wearing the right face mask?
Let's answer a few common queries:
Can facemasks protect from bushfire smoke?
The answer is: not all of them.
A standard ‘cloth mask’ (or type P1 masks) is ineffective and practically useless as they don't filter the dangerous PM 2.5 smoke particles in the air, neither do they provide airtight protection. These masks include disposable surgeon masks that are commonly purchased at chemists.
Do not bother buying cloth masks!
What is the best face mask for the bushfire smoke?
P2 Facemasks or N95 Safety Mask
When securely fitted and airtight, a P2 mask - which is the same as the N95 mask or PR Respirator - is the only mask that will actually prevent smoke inhalation. The P2 mask will sufficiently protect you from the harmful PM2.5 particles drifting in the air from bushfire smoke. These masks are designed to be comfortable and fit your face snuggly, preventing contaminated air from leaking through. There are a variety of shapes and sizes available. The P2 masks are the minimum requirement to effectively filter out harmful smoke particles and are recommended by healthcare professionals in Australia.
What is PM?
PM stands for ‘particulate matter’ and refers to the invisible particles in the air. Bushfire smoke creates very fine particulate matter that you can't see. Particles with a diameter of 10µm (micrometers) or less (PM10) can penetrate inside the lungs, whereas fine particles with a diameter of 2.5µm or less (PM2.5) can go even further into the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM can result in significant damage to your health. Both type of particulate matter can cause adverse health effects. Long-term exposure to the toxic particles can reduce lung function and lead to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Two things to remember when buying the RIGHT facemask:
1. P2 (or N95 / PR Respirator) masks only! Choose a P2 mask as any other masks which do not have a minimum PM2.5 protection level, will not be effective to protect your lungs.
2. Airtight protection with tight seal – ensure your face mask is sufficiently sealed over the bridge of your nose and mouth. Make sure there are no gaps in the seal between your face and the mask to prevent leakage and smoke particles from entering your lungs.
Where can I buy the right face masks for bushfire smoke?
Most hardware stores sell these specialised P2 or N95 safety masks.
Online stores and websites are a great option if you don’t mind waiting for delivery. Get prepared and get one now to secure your health!
This Protective Face Mask is a P2 mask, especially good for those suffering from asthma or allergies. The copper filter kills harmful bacteria and blocks the PM2.5 harmful particles. The reusable and washable face mask incorporates a Ding-Filter - a patented copper filter - that is particularly beneficial for asthma patients and allergy sufferers. The Ding Filter is designed and manufactured in Germany to extremely high standards.
The Washable copper filter facemask is now available in a lighter version. It offers a more breathable fabric but with the same copper filters that provide a barrier from the bushfire smoke. The mask gives a tight seal around the face. Just like the Bacteria & Asthma Protective Face Mask, the mask is manufactured in Germany to very high standards. It offers protection from smoke, smog, pollution, pathogens (virus and bacteria) and dust. If you are spending a lot of time outside and are expecting to be wearing a face mask for an extended period of time, this is a great option that is both affordable, comfortable and breathable. The best thing is that is is reusable. Just wash the filter and the mask, and you are good to go for another 2 months!
How to put on a P2/N95 face mask?
- Remove your glasses and take off your hat. Tie back your hair to avoid it gets tangled in the straps of the mask. Men with beards should shave before using a P2 mask as facial hair between the mask and the user’s face will not guarantee a perfect seal.
- Wash your hands.
- Place the mask on your face, with the nose piece at the top of the mask
- Place the ties over your head or attach the ear loops around your ears
- Push the mask against your face to ensure a correct seal across the bridge of the nose
- Push the mask with your hand onto the face to make sure cheeks and face are properly sealed
- Check the mask fits: gently inhale. If the mask is not drawn in towards your face or if air leaks around the seal of the mask seal, readjust the mask and repeat the process. If the mask still 'leaks', try a different size or style of mask.
What can you do when the air quality index is fair? poor? very poor? hazardous?
The NSW Ministry of Health issues an Air Quality Index or AQI. This is a report on the air quality in your region. It indicates how clean or polluted the air is in areas across NSW.
Find out what the AQI means and what activities you can do.
|
Air Quality Index
|
Call to action/message
|
|---|---|
|
Fair |
Enjoy activities |
|
Poor |
Enjoy activities |
|
Very poor |
Cut back or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities |
|
Hazardous |
Significantly cut back on outdoor physical activities |
For most people, the symptoms associated with bushfire smoke exposure are mild and will cease soon after the exposure has ended.
For the high-risk population such as pregnant women, seniors, those with lung or heart diseases and children:
|
Air Quality Index
|
Call to action/message
|
|---|---|
|
Fair |
Plan strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is better |
|
Poor |
Cut back or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities |
|
Very poor |
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities |
|
Hazardous |
Avoid all outdoor physical activities |
People with asthma, lung diseases (like COPD), cardiovascular diseases, seniors, children, and pregnant women are more affected by air pollution.
Smoke exposure for this sensitive group can lead to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, even days after smoke is inhaled. NSW Ministry of Health recommends to closely monitor the symptoms. For asthma or COPD patients: follow your action plan. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
For more information on Air quality and the effects of bushfire smoke on your health, go to the NSW Ministry of Health website.
Do air purifiers help in keeping the bushfire smoke out?
Yes. Air purifiers help reduce exposure to smoke. Most people only know the use of air purifiers with allergens and mold, these devices also help to remove smoke from the air.
When purchasing an air purifier, look for one that contains a ‘Hepa filter’. A Hepa filter stands for ‘high-efficiency particulate air’ and is used to trap fine particles. Bushfire smoke does tend to be fine particles so you need a really good filter” says Chris Barnes, a household product expert. A good quality air filter will also emit fresh air, giving you airflow while it cleanses.
Our Air Purifier is a device that cleans the air from fine particles and lets you choose your air humidity level.
Another option is the smaller Ultrasonic vaporiser that helps purify the air.
Conclusion
If you want to protect yourself from the impact of bushfire smoke, we recommend you buy a P2 mask. There are several models available: from disposable ones that you can buy in a 10 pack to the more specialised mask like the copper filter facemask by Dr Hoffman, for asthma sufferers. We recommend that people with lung or chronic heart conditions seek advice from their medical practitioner before using these masks.
Take extra measures to protect yourself if you suffer from asthma, COPD or lung diseases or heart conditions. Keep a good supply of medication - like pumps and bronchial dilators - at home. Bettercaremarket provides a range of respiratory devices like monitors, nebulisers and various accessories that can help you during this bushfire season.
Stay safe!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Bettercaremarket uses reasonable endeavours to check the accuracy of the information provided however no we can not guarantee it is without error.
About Bettercaremarket
Bettercaremarket is your leading supplier of healthcare essentials and your #1 destination for quality incontinence supplies, mobility equipment, independent living aids for seniors, disability aids, rehab and therapy products and medical supplies.
We help NDIS-participants, aged care facilities, home care package providers, occupational therapists and allied health providers find the best solutions to solve their need.
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