![]() How to wear the common medical/surgical masks: You ideally want IIR but type 1 is better than nothing. Level 3 is best but level 1 should still help.ĮN14683 Type I, II, IIR. Ideally, you want PFE greater than 99% but some masks on the market may be 95% and up.įFP3 is graded for viruses and FFP2 are better than nothing but not as good as medical/surgical masks with BFE and PFE >99%.ĪSTM level 1 to 3. Viruses are smaller than bacteria so if the mask my not offer sufficient protection if it only lists a BFE but no PFE. You want a high PFE (Particle Filtration Efficiency) for your medical/surgical mask. These can protect from some viruses but unless they specifically advertise that they protect from virus, they are expected to be less efficient than standard medical/surgical masks but can decrease likelihood of getting disease.īFE/PFE ratings. If you're regularly working in tear gas, you'll want a proper respirator. ![]() Unless you happen to be a journalist who got one through your company, you'll probably get in trouble with the police for having one (note that it is not illegal but that doesn't really matter to the police).įor the standard person, surgical masks are probably the best bet but if you are slightly more concerned about tear gas, you can get the appropriate N95 variant. NBC full face respirators - The best possible tear gas protection you can reasonably buy. Full face respirators by 3M offer more protection for your face from tear gas irritants but may prevent you from using eyewear, helmets, etc that offer ballistic protection. You will also attract police attention for having one in your possession so it is not a good idea to wear these unless actually working in tear gas. N95 mask with exhale valve - Provides slightly better protection than the non-valve N95 masks against tear gas and air pollution but it is unclear if they are better or worse than N95 healthcare masks against pathogens.ģM half face respirators - With the correct filters that are certified for P100, organic vapor and multi-gas, you'll get good protection against tear gas, air pollution and pathogens. N95 healthcare masks (usually green) - These masks have equivalent protection from tear gas and air pollution to the construction masks but are slightly better at protecting from fluid borne pathogens. Protection against dioxins, cyanide and other non-particle chemicals released by tear gas is almost nonexistent. N95 construction masks without exhale valve (usually white or labelled OH&ES) - These masks can protect from approximately 99.6% of pathogens and are slightly more effective against tear gas particles and air pollution than surgical masks. Check for a BFE or PFE rating on the packaging. Some molded masks and tissue masks may be branded as surgical or medical exam masks so be careful. They will often indicate having multiple layers and/or protecting from fluids. These are the easiest to find and probably the safest to wear in terms of not attracting police attention. Soft medical/surgical masks - These can protect from approximately 95% of pathogens and are better than nothing when facing tear gas and air pollution. The main advantage is comfort but protection is almost nonexistent.Īctivated charcoal or cotton masks - These have a bit of protection against air pollution but almost zero protection against pathogens and tear gas. Black ones are usually worn to conceal identity and show solidarity with the protest movement. Pitta and other polyurethane masks - These are designed to protect from pollen and provide little to no protection from viruses, air pollution and tear gas. Given the concern about Wuhan pneumonia, here is a guide to the correct mask to buy if you are visiting Hong Kong:
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