Transcript
0:00Surgical masks and the haze,
0:01do they actually work? The haze contains PM 2.5 particles,
0:05tiny pollutants
0:06that are 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair,
0:09which can travel deep into your lungs and bloodstream.
0:12these masks block respiratory droplets and bodily fluid splashes,
0:16they aren't designed to filter fine airborne pollutants.
0:20Just look. The air can leak through these gaps.
0:22Some have suggested doubling or tripling it,
0:25but it's kind of hard to breathe and air still leaks in from the sides.
0:29So yeah, surgical masks aren't as effective against haze particles.
0:34That's why N95 masks are recommended instead
0:37or these comparable m O h.
0:38Approved masks.
0:39They fit more snugly and filter out at least 95% of airborne particles
0:43as small as 0.1 to 0.3 micrometres.
0:47But should you wear one every time you step outside?
0:51Not necessarily for short trips like commuting to work,
0:54you generally don't need to wear one.
0:55If you're going out for an extended period of time,
0:58check the latest haze advisory and air quality readings first.
1:01And if you are elderly,
1:02pregnant and have an existing lung or heart condition,
1:05m O h. Recommends wearing an N95 mask when outdoors
1:08for prolonged periods during haze episodes.
1:11But most importantly, wearing an N95 mask isn't enough.
1:14It has to fit you properly to protect you,
1:16like how I'm wearing it and how she's wearing it.
