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masks for the pollution in north thailand


wigantojapan

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Unless you have a respiratory disorder (eg asthma) in my experience you dont need anything - and most people dont use them either.

If you want to monitor air quality here, google aqmthai.com and look down the list for Chiang mai.

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The particle size is typically <PM10 although it's the particles <PM2.5 that are the real health hazard. To trap sub PM2.5 requires something akin to a hepa filter. A regular surgical mask wont help much since these are designed to stop germs and small particles being transmitted BY the wearer and do little to filter large inbound particles and are unable to filter small inbound particles. That leaves a fairly large and likely cumbersome mask that is designed for the purpose, the downsides are that it may be quite expensive, bulky and you'll probably be the only person wearing one.

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I am in the UK

I have a good wholesale company here in UK that does have masks for farang.

I just need to know what particle size mask i need to get

Is it a 3m 95 or is there a more refined mask for the particular particle caused by the burning

Thanks

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I can't see anything on the 3M website that grades these masks in terms of PM size, airborne pollution is typically graded by particle size hence PM10 is particulate matter of 10 microns in size. I get the idea very strongly that the 3M masks tend to be used for much larger particle sizes.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-PPE-Safety-Solutions/Personal-Protective-Equipment/Products/Product-Catalog/~/3M-Particulate-Respirator-8511-N95-80-Case?N=4294931255+5011378&&Nr=AND%28hrcy_id%3AGSZL75D568gs_KSWFC7MMDJ_N2RL3FHWVK_GPD0K8BC31gv%29&rt=d

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particulates

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The CM valley is often blanketed in dangerous/organic vapor pollution (eg, SOx, NOx), and the usual N95 particle masks do nothing to filter-out these nasties.

If you get a chance, please bring a box of these (with spare cartridges) and I'll be the first to buy back some from you.

Organic-Vapor-Respirator-300.jpg

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Amway sells them. Ram hospital sent me there Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Now there's a business opportunity. Amway distributor specialising in masks for farang.

How much did they charge you??

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The CM valley is often blanketed in dangerous/organic vapor pollution (eg, SOx, NOx), and the usual N95 particle masks do nothing to filter-out these nasties.

If you get a chance, please bring a box of these (with spare cartridges) and I'll be the first to buy back some from you.

Organic-Vapor-Respirator-300.jpg

Any evidence to substantiate the above claim?

Personally, I like this model mask, more retro >

7811980-german-soldier-in-gas-mask-ww2-h

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The CM valley is often blanketed in dangerous/organic vapor pollution (eg, SOx, NOx), and the usual N95 particle masks do nothing to filter-out these nasties.

If you get a chance, please bring a box of these (with spare cartridges) and I'll be the first to buy back some from you.

Organic-Vapor-Respirator-300.jpg

Any evidence to substantiate the above claim?

Personally, I like this model mask, more retro >

7811980-german-soldier-in-gas-mask-ww2-h

I don't think you'd like wearing that one for long rob. I was issued with an army gas mask in Saudi at the outbreak of the Gulf War in case of chemical attack. Still got it back in the UK. Replacement filters any where? Wouldn't last long cycling in it though biggrin.png

Edited by MESmith
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I've never had so many respiratory infections in my life until I moved here. Doctor says it is 100% due to the pollution and burning and that the hospitals are packed that time of year with others suffering the same. I doubt I'll spend too much more time here, the pollution is enough to make me leave. I don't want to, as I do like it here, but I spend almost 1/2 the year sick now. That didn't even happen when I was in Bangkok or Pattaya. sad.png

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I have been having the same difficulty as Chiangmai getting information about filter ratings from the 3M company, specifically for Filtrete air filters. I have queried the company through its online message system, specifically about the thin filter material you can cut to size for a room air conditioner. No luck, however, in getting an answer so far. Perhaps others can try. I strongly suspect, as does Chiangmai, that that product will help filter out large particles but nothing so small as PM<10, let alone PM<2.5 pollution which is the really insidious stuff. But it will certainly keep the house cleaner.

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Air quality report on Chiang Mai from US State Department:

In Chiang Mai and other areas of northern Thailand, poor air quality might pose a health threat during the dry season, from March until June. Smoke and particulate matter from agricultural burning can irritate eyes and respiratory systems and worsen heart and respiratory diseases.

During this period, you should be aware of the local Air Quality Index (AQI) and take appropriate measures to minimize the impact on your health. The Thai government’s Pollution Control Department calculates the AQI daily and posts measurements online. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains AQI on its website, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends what to do during periods of poor air quality.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1040.html#medical

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http://www.respro.com/

Look at,the specs for the techno mask. Other models for various situations. Extensive research over the years lead me to these urban air filter masks. Comfy,effective but not cheap. If you are in UK, pick up the urban sportsta or techno. I have both along with a few years of replacement parts.

man thanks this is what i was needing to know.....busy at this moment but will get back to you to ask more questions if that is ok as i just had a quick look and what you would recommend for the burning season the techno or the urban sportsa cheers

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Bought a few different masks here last year and none of them were any good in my opinion, what worked best for me was wrapping a damp rag around my mouth and nose, I actually felt that worked better filtering out the particles than any mask I had bought, it also seemed to fit better around my face. I used that method when out riding the bike and when not, just stayed in with the windows and doors closed... what else can you do really?

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The trouble with most masks is that they get only dust. They have no affect on chemicals like organic vapors or oil based vapors. I buy these. They are throw away, and will last for painting 2 cars, or maybe 4 of my antique Schwinn bikes. In Chiang Mai, I would feel safe wearing one until I felt resistance. I know they look stupid. LINK

But then, laugh.png

Picture1299.jpg

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