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David 
I dare you to try
Joined: 27 Jul 2003
Location: Andromeda
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| Post subject: Bushfire smoke masks |  |
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The smoke is pretty thick in Melbourne again this morning. Has anyone got a mask? Is it definitely necessary? And know any easy places to get one? (I've heard some people suggest Bunnings, but not particularly easy to get to one without a car if you don't live in the Bunnings Belt!)
Anyway, I saw this useful guide from the ABC:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2019-12-03/face-masks-for-bushfire-smoke-haze-pollution/11760618
| Quote: | Only one type of mask helps
"Facemasks are the least useful measure, as a public health response," said Fay Johnston from the University of Tasmania's Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
"There's only one sort that actually helps — that's the P2 masks. They're the only ones that can filter out a meaningful level of air pollution."
Respiratory protective equipment — the dust masks and respirators you might see builders or landscapers using — are rated by their level of particle protection. P1 devices provide low levels of dust protection, while P2 masks are better at filtering out particles.
You can buy them from hardware stores, but they need to fit correctly to be effective.
"They only work with a really airtight seal that you have to maintain — if you're a man with a beard, it's impossible. And if air leaks around the sides you might as well not have one," Dr Johnston said. |
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K
Joined: 09 Sep 2011
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From other thread...
| K wrote: | | think positive wrote: | ...
my daughters friend had one of those masks on, brand new filter after 1.5 hours on the street was filthy. my daughter has ordered one, it comes friday, she works in Collins st. |
Did she order it online? |
On Bunnings:
David, they'll be sold out. They were probably sold out weeks ago. |
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David
I dare you to try
Joined: 27 Jul 2003
Location: Andromeda
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^ Pretty crazy, isn't it? Certainly not a niche item at this point.
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All watched over by machines of loving grace |
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K
Joined: 09 Sep 2011
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| I'm trying to find out what shipping costs are... (but shipping time will be long)... |
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Pies4shaw 
pies4shaw
Joined: 08 Oct 2007
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My wife ordered some online and they arrived Monday (probably about a 3 or 4 business day turnaround). I bought a pack of 2 P2 masks (manufactured by 3M) at Bunnings last week. They had been sold out but the store had restocked - you just have to be careful to buy the P2s. I think it was about $15 for the 2. I tried one this morning. My observations are that you wouldn’t wear one for long (they’re difficult to breathe through and they get hot quickly). If you were doing anything strenuous, the standard mask would probably become wet and unusable from exhaled air fairly quickly. I say that as someone quite used to wearing masks over my nose and mouth for medical reasons, so I suspect they might be less tolerable for people who aren’t used to putting on a mask. I suspect the strategy would be to use these only as a last resort if you have to venture out - much better to stay indoors.
That said, the P2 particles might damage your health but they probably won’t rot your brain as quickly as the climate change denialist nonsense on Nick’s, so, if you’re staying indoors, I suggest that you limit your VPT exposure for a bit. |
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Pi 
Joined: 13 Feb 2006
Location: SA
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a non bunnings mask
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvlryShN69A
parts list:
duct tape
can
cotton wool
activated charcoal
elastic band
2 litre plastic bottle
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Pi = Infinite = Collingwood = Always
Floreat Pica |
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David
I dare you to try
Joined: 27 Jul 2003
Location: Andromeda
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Love it, although I think it probably works best with a shotgun and a bunker full of canned food. 
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All watched over by machines of loving grace |
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K
Joined: 09 Sep 2011
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| Pies4shaw wrote: | | My wife ordered some online and they arrived Monday (probably about a 3 or 4 business day turnaround). I bought a pack of 2 P2 masks (manufactured by 3M) at Bunnings last week. They had been sold out but the store had restocked - you just have to be careful to buy the P2s. I think it was about $15 for the 2. ... |
Aha, so it sounds like one should check with Bunnings periodically to catch them when they restock. The 10-pack would be better.
Online from which site? amazon.com is like a month wait. |
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Wokko 
Come and take it.
Joined: 04 Oct 2005
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There's a watch and act right next to where I live right now, if all you have to worry about is a bit of smoke then count yourself lucky.
We're all fine, rains have just opened up but the wind was blowing the fire and embers towards the Village just as the skies opened. |
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David
I dare you to try
Joined: 27 Jul 2003
Location: Andromeda
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Glad to hear you're okay up there, Wokko. Certainly not meaning to claim any equivalence between what we're dealing with here in Melbourne and the plight of people near the firefront – but there have been literally cases of people dying or suffering medical complications because of the smoke, so I think it is something we all need to be aware of. In the meantime, let's all hope for as much rain as possible.
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All watched over by machines of loving grace |
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Wokko
Come and take it.
Joined: 04 Oct 2005
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No worries, not belittling it, hell we've had 400m visibility for the last couple of days too but having an out of control fire within a couple of km with the sky turning orange and embers flying is another level I wouldn't wish on anyone.
I was a lot closer up in Bendigo in 2009 though so I was calm as a hindu cow this time. Not sure how I would've got a dog, 3 cats a rat and a baby into the car if I had to leave though  |
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David
I dare you to try
Joined: 27 Jul 2003
Location: Andromeda
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That would indeed be some feat! And a rat?! As a fellow (former and hopefully future) rodent owner, I salute you.  stay safe!
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All watched over by machines of loving grace |
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Pies4shaw
pies4shaw
Joined: 08 Oct 2007
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| Watch out for flash flooding today. |
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think positive
Side By Side
Joined: 30 Jun 2005
Location: somewhere
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| K wrote: | From other thread...
| K wrote: | | think positive wrote: | ...
my daughters friend had one of those masks on, brand new filter after 1.5 hours on the street was filthy. my daughter has ordered one, it comes friday, she works in Collins st. |
Did she order it online? |
On Bunnings:
David, they'll be sold out. They were probably sold out weeks ago. |
no from chemist warehouse in the city, she walks by it on the way to the office. actually i think i may have one in the garage! thanks for the memory jolt!!
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You cant fix stupid, turns out you cant quarantine it either! |
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think positive
Side By Side
Joined: 30 Jun 2005
Location: somewhere
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| Pies4shaw wrote: | | Watch out for flash flooding today. |
JFC your not kidding, its belting down here!!
_________________
You cant fix stupid, turns out you cant quarantine it either! |
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