How to Choose the Right Dust Mask
The more work yous exercise without protection, the more damage you're doing. And then if you're producing dust or using finishes or solvents, employ the proper mask.
How to Cull the Right Breathing Protection for Your Projects
Much DIY work produces dust and/or fumes. I's essential to protect your lungs from both; at that place's no amount of dust or vapor that'south skillful for your lungs. And the harm is cumulative. The more work yous do without protection, the more than impairment you're doing. And then if you're producing dust or using finishes or solvents, use the proper mask.
Certified Filter Ratings
A mask's certification denotes its filtering efficiency and what information technology's capable of filtering. There are three letter ratings—N, R and P—pertaining to a mask'south effectiveness at removing airborne oils or vapors found in solvents and finishes.
N = Not resistant to oils
R = Somewhat resistant to oils
P = Strongly resistant to oils
The number following the letter indicates the percentage of particles that the mask is capable of filtering out. An N95-rated mask, for instance, filters out 95 percent of airborne particles, but it offers no protection against airborne oil-based particles plant in solvents and finishes.
Bargain Masks
Don't purchase a mask with a rating of less than N95 or one that shows no rating at all. These cheap masks may proceed you from inhaling insects or pocket-size birds, but they offer no protection confronting airborne particles.
The Bottom Line
Consider the level of protection you need for the task and choose your mask appropriately. If you're just doing dusty work, such every bit sanding woods or drywall, a disposable N95 mask is a fine option. If yous're working with pigment, finishes, adhesives, mold or lead paint removal, become for a reusable cloth or cartridge mask with activated charcoal as part of the filter. A note of caution: If yous have a beard, no mask will perform every bit advertised.
For more, read this article: How to Choose a Dust Mask
Standard Disposable Mask
If yous're sanding wood, drywall or doing some demolition piece of work, this disposable mask will serve the purpose. They're about $two each. Make sure the ones you lot purchase have a rating of at least N95.
Disposable Mask with Exhalation Valve
This i covers the same types of grit as the standard disposable mask. But if you'll be wearing your mask all day or doing physically enervating work, leap for a mask with an exhalation valve ($3 each). The valve makes breathing a lot easier. Information technology'south well worth the extra cost.
Reusable Dust Mask with Replaceable Filters
If you're doing lots of work that requires a mask, consider a reusable mask. These reusable fabric masks are far more comfortable than the disposable type. This model M2 mask from RZ has an N99 rating and costs nigh $35.
Reusable Cartridge Filter Mask
These are the most versatile masks. The replaceable filters are available for different things: HEPA for dust, or a chemical filter for VOCs (volatile organic compounds). If you're applying finishes or working with solvents, get a mask with replaceable activated charcoal cartridge filters. A cartridge filter mask costs about $30. This mask has a P100 rating.
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Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-choose-the-right-dust-mask/
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