Dealing with the wildfires on the west coast, I’m often asked what masks to use and can someone use the mask they use for covid to help with wildfire smoke.

Short answer, no.

The particles that cause problems to the lungs and airway with smoke are much too small to be filtered by a cloth mask or surgical mask.  For covid, as the particles are larger, the masks for wildfire smoke aren’t needed AND a respirator mask used for wildfire smoke focuses on stopping particulates from entering…not from leaving the mask.

When you are dealing with wildfire smoke you need something that will block particulates from coming into your mouth, nose and eyes.  What you breathe out isn’t as important as what you breathe in.  These types of masks are called respirator masks and you often see them listed as N95, P100, etc.

We look at three factors in researching masks for wildfire smoke:

1. How much of the particulates does the mask block?
2. What type of particulates does the mask block?
3. Is it a reusable mask that you can clean?

Factor 1: How much of the particulates does the mask block?

The number on the mask or mask packaging will indicate the effectiveness of removing particles.  Normally we see masks with 95, 99 or 100 as their label. A higher number indicates the filter has greater effectiveness at removing particles. In testing, we find that 95 means that the respirator removes at least 95% of the particles before they enter your airways, 99 = 99%, 100 = about 99.9% depending on the materials you are blocking.

*Note: there is a designation KN95 which is an N95 regulated or tested in China. Different countries have different testing facilities and are labeled differently. US designations for 95 masks are N95, R95, P95,  Up to 70% of the KN95 masks have not met our standards in the US.

Factor 2:  What type of particulates does the mask block?

For wildfires, blocking smoke which can include many different toxic chemicals, oils and materials is difficult.  I often advise to use a 100 mask to be certain you are doing the best you can for your lungs. An N mask isn’t resistant to oils, an R mask is somewhat resistant to oils, a P mask is resistant to oils.  I use a P100 on bad air days here being so close to wildfire smoke over long periods of time and, anyone allergic to the smoke can find benefit from a P100.

Factor 3:  Is it a reusable mask that you can clean?

For wildfire smoke, it’s important to recognize your mask can get dirty quickly from ash falling and from the dust created from ash sitting on surfaces.  I prefer a mask I can clean with soap and water. The paper masks should be changed regularly and often do not seal well enough for wildfire smoke and can actually trap the smoke inside the mask.  Ensure if you choose reusable paper masks that you are fully sealed in before you go outside.

Getting back to the original question, in actuality, there really isn’t a ‘covid mask’ as any face covering is considered enough right now, whether or not it actually is.  Anything mask that is made of cloth only or not fully sealed is never going to help you with wildfire smoke unless it’s wet and that makes it harder to breathe.  Please, if you need a smoke mask, get one for smoke.   Wearing a cloth mask, a scarf or a bandana won’t help with smoke.  Also, make sure your respirator has been tested and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), it should say on the label.

If you are interested in seeing where the smoke is in your area, click here:

If you are interested in seeing the air quality in your area, click here.