Editor’s Note: In preparation for Citizen Emergency Rescue Training (CERT) classes being offered by the Grundy County Local Emergency Planning Committee next month, the Republican-Times is publishing a series of articles about CERT and local emergency planning activities, written by CERT program coordinator Matt Walker. Classes are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, with those taking the classes eligible to be part of the county’s CERT team. The team will provide assistance to emergency service responders during major disasters.
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Respiratory
Protection
Those of us who saw the events of 9/11 unfold on live television have been left with a number of lasting images- some of those images are of the choking clouds and thick layers of dust that covered everything. Fifteen years later, the survivors of that day and the responders who worked the scene have far higher rates of respiratory illnesses – including lung cancer – than the general population.
While our chances of experiencing something like 9/11 in Grundy County are virtually nonexistent, respiratory protection is still an important consideration. Substances classified as “TIH” or “Toxic Inhalation Hazards” travel our railroads and highways every day. With these substances, inhalation is almost immediately fatal, and if you are exposed respiratory protection will be the difference between life and death.
Respiratory protection for the average person falls into three main categories: the dust mask, the half face mask, and the full face mask. I will say at this point that for the first two types of mask, storing them with a pair of goggles would be a wise choice.
The dust mask is the disposable paper mask with a rubber band for a head strap, often used when people are sanding wood or drywall. As the name implies, it keeps dust (large particulate matter in general) out of your nose and mouth- it will not protect you from gasses or fumes. It is inexpensive and available at almost any store, and there’s no excuse not to have a few on hand.
The half-face mask is a re-usable rubber or silicone face mask that covers the mouth and nose and creates an airtight seal. The filters are attached to the mask and are interchangeable – different filters can be obtained for different uses such as for dust, chemicals, aerosols or fumes from paint and varnish. For those who are concerned about chemical spills and hazardous materials; this is the most cost effective solution.
The full-face mask is basically the same as the half-face mask, with the addition of eye protection built into it. These tend to be significantly more expensive than half-face masks, but they do tend to have a better air-tight seal because the system of straps has a more even distribution around the head.
This quick overview is just meant to give the reader a basic understanding of respiratory protection. Consider your likelihood of exposure to respiratory hazards and research your options for protective equipment. A word of caution: avoid military surplus “gasmasks”. They are sold as novelties and are not guaranteed to be functional. In addition, many older types used asbestos as a filter medium, which obviously isn’t good.
(Next: Water Storage
and Purification)
