![]() ![]() John Clements, professor of immunology and microbiology at Tulane University in New Orleans, told ABC News.Īnd in the case of a biological agent like anthrax, a mask might prove useless. "I believe individuals buying gas masks to protect themselves against an unspecified biological or chemical attack is pretty useless," Dr. Indeed, many public health experts cast doubt on the effectiveness of gas masks in the event of a widespread chemical or bioterrorism attack. "Improper use of masks and hoods as well as a false sense of security as to their effectiveness could pose a threat to public safety." "The use of gas masks and hoods by the public during a chemical threat is not recommended due to legitimate safety concerns," according to the site. Use of these bulky, heavy masks and tanks, however, requires more training than most civilians have had.īecause of their limitations, - the disaster-preparedness website developed by the federal government - doesn't recommend the use of any gas masks. ![]() That's why many professionals, including hazmat teams and emergency first-responders, wear full-face masks that are connected to an air supply, such as a small air canister or a scuba-style air tank. There are other limits to the effectiveness of these masks: They don't always provide eye protection, and any mask is only as good as the seal around the wearer's face - a leak or a weak seal would render them useless. Most activated charcoal masks have disposable filters that are easily replaced. As long as there's space on the charcoal filter's fibers for incoming toxins, the wearer is safe.īut after a period of time - depending on the density of toxic chemicals in the air, the wearer's rate of breathing and other factors - an activated charcoal filter will stop working and will need to be replaced. Those threats require a mask with activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal.Ĭharcoal bonds with the active ingredients in nerve gas and other chemical threats, effectively filtering those toxic compounds out of the air inhaled by the mask's wearer. Paper-filter masks, however, are useless against most chemicals, whether paint fumes, sarin gas or airborne organophosphates. (The average human hair is 70 micrometers in diameter.) These masks are rated by the amount of particles they can filter: A mask rated 95 will stop 95 percent of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size and larger, while a mask rated 100 will filter out 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns and larger, making it comparable to a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. ![]() Inexpensive face masks, like the disposable paper-filter masks available in hardware stores, are effective only against airborne particles. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |