Due to recent raging wildfire in California, N95 respirators or P100 respirators can help protect your lungs from smoke or ash. See the information and guidelines from links below that are published by Environment Protection Agency (EPA), The California Air Resources Board, and AirNow.Gov

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“People who must be outside for extended periods of time in smoky air or an ashcovered area may benefit from using a tightfitting N95 or P100 respirator to reduce their exposure”

Source: Wildfire Smoke Factsheet ~ Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke or Ash
By U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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“While cloth face coverings offer protection against COVID-19 virus spread, they do not provide protection against smoke particles. People who must be outdoors for long periods, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, may want to wear an N95 respirator mask. Those with existing respiratory, lung or heart conditions should limit their exposure by staying indoors. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart conditions should check with their doctor before using one.”

Source: Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
By the California Air Resources Board

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“People who must be outdoors for extended periods of time in smoky air or in an ash-covered area may  benefit from using tight-fitting, NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators to reduce their exposures. People experiencing health effects from a smoky environment, even if indoors, may also benefit from using N95 or P100 respirators if they cannot move to locations with better air quality or take other steps to clean their indoor air.”

Source: Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
By AirNow.Gov

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