02-20-2022, 09:57 PM
Sometimes all this Covid mask theorizing reminds me of early in the eruption when there was debate about which masks would protect you.
The government passed out some particulate masks which were good but depending on your exposure to the ash, were not practical for sleeping with. Many taped up their windows and otherwise sealed their homes. For those of us in the immediate area, we needed more than particulate masks, we needed gas masks.
Then there was debate about which 3M cartridge was best - 60926, 60928 or 60929. However, the part that many missed was the fact that given the heavy usage, the cartridges needed to be changed very frequently, sometimes daily.
Even with the right cartridge and spares, the need for a full mask was overlooked as we concentrated on our lungs and neglected our eyes. At one point Hilo was sold out of swim goggles!
I remember the National Guard showing up with these massive football helmet sized masks and how seeing them really underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Covid created a similar scramble for the proper PPE with disposable surgical masks vs t-shirt 'gaiters' vs cloth masks vs N95 when the gold standard was really P100 which was overlooked and therefore readily available throughout the pandemic.
Again, your need for PPE and what type was determined by your exposure level and personal risk assessment.
The takeaway from all of this is to do your own due diligence and not to let anyone else do it for you.
'Stay Safe' indeed.
The government passed out some particulate masks which were good but depending on your exposure to the ash, were not practical for sleeping with. Many taped up their windows and otherwise sealed their homes. For those of us in the immediate area, we needed more than particulate masks, we needed gas masks.
Then there was debate about which 3M cartridge was best - 60926, 60928 or 60929. However, the part that many missed was the fact that given the heavy usage, the cartridges needed to be changed very frequently, sometimes daily.
Even with the right cartridge and spares, the need for a full mask was overlooked as we concentrated on our lungs and neglected our eyes. At one point Hilo was sold out of swim goggles!
I remember the National Guard showing up with these massive football helmet sized masks and how seeing them really underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Covid created a similar scramble for the proper PPE with disposable surgical masks vs t-shirt 'gaiters' vs cloth masks vs N95 when the gold standard was really P100 which was overlooked and therefore readily available throughout the pandemic.
Again, your need for PPE and what type was determined by your exposure level and personal risk assessment.
The takeaway from all of this is to do your own due diligence and not to let anyone else do it for you.
'Stay Safe' indeed.