N95 masks available at area health departments

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An example of an N95 mask. This one is older and is likely past its expiration date. Photo: P. Stinson

An N95 mask obtained online, not from an area health department office. Photo: P. Stinson

By Pat Stinson

A quick survey of health department offices in Manistee, Mason and Lake counties found they are offering free N95 face masks to members of the public.

The protective masks are also available in Benzie County, according to a report from The Betsie Current via the Elberta Alert.

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Employees at two of the offices indicated that the masks have “expired,” meaning they are past their recommended expiration dates and may not be as effective. They said the masks may be reused until they are “damaged or dirty.”

During Michigan’s smoke-filled days, some members of the public have been seen wearing masks outdoors.

The website of the Food and Drug Administration states that N95 masks are personal protective equipment that filter liquid and particles and keep them from contacting the face.

Those spending time outside are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke which contain particles which can make you sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control, especially children, persons with health conditions or those who are pregnant.

The CDC recommends that those with existing heart or lung (breathing) problems consult their physicians before using the masks.

The governmental agency also offers the following guidelines for putting on and wearing a N95 mask, aka respirator.

•  Wash your hands.

•  Place the respirator under your chin with the nose piece bar at the top.

•  Pull the top strap over your head, placing it near the crown. Then, pull the bottom strap over and place it at the back of your neck, below your ears. Do not crisscross the straps. Make sure straps are not twisted.

•  Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the nose piece. Press down on both sides of the nose piece to mold it to the shape of your nose.
•  Your N95 respirator must form a seal to your face to work properly. Your breath must pass through the N95 respirator and not around its edges. Jewelry, glasses, and facial hair can cause gaps between your face and the edge of the respirator. The N95 respirator works better if you are clean shaven. Gaps can also occur if your N95 respirator is too big, too small, or it was not put on correctly.
•  Check for gaps. Place your hands on the N95 respirator, covering as much of it as possible, then breathe out. If you feel air leaking from the edges of the respirator, or you are wearing glasses and they fog up, it is not snug. Adjust and try again.  If you cannot get a tight seal, try a different size or style. Check for gaps every time you put the mask on. An improperly fitted N95 mask “may likely” offer better protection than a cloth mask.
•  Wash your hands with soap and water after removing your respirator. Use hand sanitizer with a solution of at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.

N95 is a certification mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) registered in the United States and several international jurisdictions.

Area health department locations are as follows:

Benzie County – 6051 Frankfort Hwy., Ste. 100, Benzonia
Lake County – 5681 S. M-37, Baldwin
Manistee County – 385 Third St., Manistee
Mason County – 9061 Diana St., Ludington

Office  hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

 

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