Face Masks and Respirators

Written by Kate Lawrence

Recently Fire In Mind came across some research carried out by the University of Western Australia through the Bushfire Cooperative Research centre (CRC). In this reaserch they carried out tests of respirators on firefighters in Western Austarlia. The tests showed that that 81% of the subjects tested experienced considerably fewer respiratory symptoms during and following bushfire smoke exposure using the particulate/organic vapour/formaldehyde filters compared to the previously issued particulate filters. The firefighters were using the half mask with replaceble filters rather than disposable filters. The research also showed that there are ongoing issues with the half mask repirators namely:

•Incompatibility of the helmet, goggles and respirator 
•Leakage of the mask due to moisture build-up inside 
•Verbal communication impossible when wearing the respirators

Here is a link for a summary of the research- Bushfires and respirators

Fire In Mind has investigated access these type of respirators but it is very difficult.  They are expensive and the filters have a shelf life making them not suitable for re- sale on a small scale basis.  In other states firefighters are issued with P2 particulate filters.