Masks: clearing the air.(industrial masks and anthrax)(Buyers Guide)

Sold at home centers and hardware stores, industrial masks can protect you while using pesticides, glues, and other everyday substances that can damage lungs and irritate eyes and nasal passages. But they aren't meant for biothreats, even though some filter particles below the 1 to 5 microns typical for anthrax.

Biothreat protection requires the mask to have an airtight seal around your nose and mouth, and, sometimes, your eyes. Disposable masks may not seal perfectly or filter finely enough. Half- and full-face versions would have to be professionally fitted to ensure such a seal. Even then, you would have to decontaminate your home and yourself before removing the mask. You would also have to know about the presence and nature of the biothreat beforehand for any mask to be effective.

Buy a mask to protect yourself against more common household threats. You should wear one during sanding, staining, and other home-renovation chores that create airborne vapors and particles.

The table lists typical risks and which masks protect against each. Some tips:

* Choose a mask that's approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for the purpose. It should say so on the package.

* Before removing a mask, clear the area of dust and other contaminants or go to a clean area. Remove dust from clothing to avoid breathing it in.

* Discard disposable masks outside, sealing them in plastic. Clean nondisposable ones outside following the directions.