Asbestos Mask Protection – Myth Busted!

You’ve heard that asbestos is very dangerous, and it definitely is! You may think that you can get protection from asbestos by wearing a mask, well that is a dangerous untruth and one that could cause you serious health consequences.

Asbestos is nothing to trifle with and most masks are not actually going to protect you from the deadly fibre. If you are working with or near asbestos in your home, office or on a construction site, a mask isn’t enough to keep you safe from asbestos.

Myth – Asbestos isn’t dangerous if you wear a mask

   o   A basic face mask that you can buy at a home improvement store will offer very little or no protection from asbestos fibres. Asbestos dust and fibres can easily get around the edges of these types of masks and can be inhaled which puts your health at risk.

   o   To safely work around asbestos, you need a half-face respirator that completely shields your nose and mouth and seals tightly against your skin. A properly fitted respirator will purify the air you breathe and block asbestos fibres from entering your nose or mouth.

   o   Even a high quality respirator-type mask must be worn properly to ensure you’re protected. Facial hair can break the seal and allow asbestos fibres in. so, for a proper fit, you need to be clean shaven.

   o   A high quality respirator-type mask alone is not enough to protect you from asbestos if you are in an area where asbestos has been disturbed by removal efforts, construction, renovation, flood or fire. In addition to the mask you must wear head to toe disposable protective gear including a hat, gloves and shoe covers. These must then be misted with water and removed while the respirator is still on, placed in asbestos waste bags and then the mask can be removed. A thorough shower afterwards is also recommended.

   o   Asbestos fibre can cling to your clothing, skin, shoes or hair. If you are not coated entirely in protective gear when exposed to asbestos, not only are you putting your health at risk, but your family’s as well. Second hand exposure can be just as dangerous!

Wearing all the right personal protective equipment is essential to protecting your health when working with asbestos – make sure you protect yourself and your family.

For a wide variety of PPE at an affordable price, visit L&A Safety at one of their branches or call us today! Choose anything from ear protection and boiler suits to respirator masks!