Can Dust Masks Protect You Against COVID-19?

With the coronavirus epidemic showing no signs of slowing down, people are looking for anything that can protect them. Face masks are always a good place to start with any kind of virus, but not all masks are created equal. In fact, some masks are utterly ineffective against COVID-19, better known as the novel coronavirus. 

Not All Masks Can Protect You From Coronavirus

Medical masks can help, of course, but medical experts discourage people from buying them. It’s best to leave medical equipment to medical professionals that need them most. Some people are turning to dust masks, but those are not effective against COVID-19. The only thing a dust mask can offer you is a little peace of mind. 

The kind of dust and paint masks worn by handymen and sold in hardware stores don’t have any medical relevance when it comes to virus protection. These masks are designed to keep dangerous particulates like paint at bay. They can’t stop something as small as a virus. 

The CDC says that if you do want a mask to protect against coronavirus, it’s best to go with an N95 respirator. These respirators are available at hardware stores, but most places are sold out of them. These masks have a filtration system that blocks 95% of airborne particles from getting in, hence the “N95” in their name. N95 masks can block small and large particles alike and may offer some protection against coronavirus. 

People are buying dust and paint masks to protect themselves, and now it’s become harder for independent contractors and painters to get the safety equipment they need for their jobs. Construction companies and larger auto body stores haven’t had as much trouble securing masks as they buy them in bulk from suppliers. 

With everyone buying everything they can, it’s hard to remember that other people need things too. Contractors and workers need these dust masks more than the average person does. They need them for work, and so they can be safe while they continue to provide for their families. Dust masks aren’t going to offer you any kind of protection against a virus, so leave them for the people they can help.