Are two N95 masks enough for me this haze season?
There is no need to replace N95 masks every day when using them for protection against the haze, an expert said.
From mid-October to early December, Singapore's authorities have been distributing free packs of two N95 masks to those most at risk from haze, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions. These masks, which filter out 95% of fine particles between 0.1 and 0.3 micrometres, are considered the most effective against haze exposure due to their ability to filter fine particulate matter like PM2.5.
However, their usefulness depends on proper care and use. An N95 mask forms a tight seal around the face, ensuring the fine particles that can cause respiratory irritation are trapped. While surgical masks may provide some comfort by blocking larger irritants, they are not as effective as N95 masks in protecting against fine particulate matter during significant haze episodes.
Children cannot use adult-sized masks, so masks specifically sized for them should be used where possible. Despite the availability of two N95 masks per person, these can be reused multiple times as long as they remain undamaged, damp, or dirty. The N95 mask should be replaced when it no longer maintains a good seal against the face, as gaps around the face significantly reduce its protective effects. Proper storage in a clean, dry place is also crucial to ensure the mask remains effective.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
