Smoky air wafting into Michigan from wildfires raging in Canada and Minnesota has weather and health officials urging residents to stay indoors as Detroit’s air quality ranks among the worst in the world.
For residents who must venture into the haze for work or other reasons, health officials recommend masking up to reduce exposure to the particulate matter in the air.
The best option, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is a tight-fitting N95 or P100 mask (or “respirator,” as some health agencies call them) marked with “NIOSH,” denoting approval by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
If those are unavailable or do not fit well, KN95 and KF94 respirators are a secondary option, the state said. Those masks are manufactured and certified in China and South Korea, respectively.
The best options, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, are masks that include two straps that go around the wearer’s head, rather than around the ears. It should fit over the nose and under the chin and seal tightly to one’s face.
When worn correctly, the mask should collapse as you breathe in and not let air in from the sides, MDHHS advised.
The state said medical or surgical masks are less effective and should only be used as a last resort.
Where to find an N95 respirator
Health agencies said appropriate masks are available at big box stores like Walmart, Meijer and Target, as well as hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware.
They can also be purchased at many pharmacies and may be available at some local health department offices. The MDHHS recommends contacting your local health department for information.
The city of Detroit Health Department is offering free N95 masks during regular business hours, while supplies last, at several community buildings, including:
Elsewhere in the state, the Central Michigan District Health Department and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan are offering free respirators. The masks can be obtained at any CMDHD or HDNW office during regular business hours, while supplies last.
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Where to find N95 masks in Michigan
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Max Reinhart, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
