How to Protect Yourself From Respiratory Hazards

The Aftermath of Devastating Fires

The Very Air We Breathe

Polluted air, no electricity and a lack of drinking water compound the devastating emotional and economic impact the fires are having in southern California. According to the California Office of Emergency Services hot, dry winds fueled as many as 24 separate wildfires last week, ravaging more than 300 square miles and destroying 2,300 buildings. The fires have been responsible for the evacuation of 640,000 residents from their homes, 12 deaths and 78 injuries. Losses in San Diego County are expected to top $1 billion. People have been warned not to bathe in or consume tap water in their homes, or cook with it even if the water gets boiled.

I won't even attempt to get into the trauma of it all, and what people may have been able to do differently so they could be better prepared, if at all. But one of the things that stood out for me is the very air we breathe-what happens when it becomes so polluted? From fires, volcanic eruptions........? I realized I hadn't thought much about this and have since done some research on the kinds of respirators that are available for different situations.

Click here Respirator Fact Sheet for excellent information on what a respirator is and the many types available. Of importance when purchasing a respirator is to know what its specific use is. Selection of specific types of protective equipment depends on the hazard and the amount of filtering necessary . The Respirator Fact Sheet has a question and answer section on children, fitting, maintenance, how long they last, etc. There's also an important list of questions to ask when you are considering purchasing one.

Where to purchase? There are many sites out there. I can't say that I've found the "best one" but here are a few for you to check out.

The Survival Center

Respirator Gas Masks for Air Purifying Applications

ApprovedGasMasks.com - a huge selection

DO YOUR RESEARCH!