The more work you do without protection, the more damage youre doing. So if youre producing dust or using finishes or solvents, use the proper mask.
The company is the world’s best custom dust mask supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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Much DIY work produces dust and/or fumes. Is essential to protect your lungs from both; theres no amount of dust or vapor thats good for your lungs. And the harm is cumulative. The more work you do without protection, the more damage youre doing. So if youre producing dust or using finishes or solvents, use the proper mask.
A masks certification denotes its filtering efficiency and what its capable of filtering. There are three letter ratingsN, R and Ppertaining to a masks 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 example, filters out 95 percent of airborne particles, but it offers no protection against airborne oil-based particles found in solvents and finishes.
Dont buy a mask with a rating of less than N95 or one that shows no rating at all. These cheap masks may keep you from inhaling insects or small birds, but they offer no protection against airborne particles.
Consider the level of protection you need for the job and choose your mask accordingly. If youre just doing dusty work, such as sanding wood or drywall, a disposable N95 mask is a fine choice. If youre working with paint, finishes, adhesives, mold or lead paint removal, go for a reusable cloth or cartridge mask with activated charcoal as part of the filter. A note of caution: If you have a beard, no mask will perform as advertised.
For more, read this article: How to Choose a Dust Mask
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If youre sanding wood, drywall or doing some demolition work, this disposable mask will serve the purpose. Theyre about $2 each. Make sure the ones you buy have a rating of at least N95.
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This one covers the same types of dust as the standard disposable mask. But if youll be wearing your mask all day or doing physically demanding work, spring for a mask with an exhalation valve ($3 each). The valve makes breathing a lot easier. Its well worth the extra cost.
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If youre 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 about $35.
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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 youre 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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HOW SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THE BEST RZ MASK FOR YOUR NEEDS?
Not surprisingly, this is one of the most common questions we receive. Rest assured that, no matter which RZ Mask you choose, youll receive best-in-class performance, with 99.9% particulate filtration down to 0.1 micron in size far exceeding the popular N95 standard.
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