A question (using the comment feature because I do not yet know what “ask related question” actually does): Is it advisable to use reusable (rather than disposable) filter masks, if available? (They are obviously much more expensive, but they also have much higher availability right now in many cases; and people who attend Burning Man, or have hobbies involving noxious fumes, may already have them.)
If so, what are the right precautions to take? Obviously throwing away a disposable mask eliminates all possibility that it will later create a contamination hazard when reused. But reusable masks generally have nonporous surfaces that can be easily cleaned with a disinfecting wipe. (It has to be one that doesn’t create noxious fumes, obviously! This eliminates bleach for sure; alcohol may be okay if you wait long enough for it to evaporate. I’m not sure how quaternary ammonia compounds are on this metric, but my wipes at least do not seem to smell noxious.)
My plan is to use a reusable p100 mask, with copper tape on the structural components, hopefully forming a barrier between the external filters/valves and the internal surfaces, and then to wash my hands before / after wearing it. No idea whether this will be any good, but it seemed more workable / less potentially blameworthy than acquiring disposable masks in a shortage.
A question (using the comment feature because I do not yet know what “ask related question” actually does): Is it advisable to use reusable (rather than disposable) filter masks, if available? (They are obviously much more expensive, but they also have much higher availability right now in many cases; and people who attend Burning Man, or have hobbies involving noxious fumes, may already have them.)
If so, what are the right precautions to take? Obviously throwing away a disposable mask eliminates all possibility that it will later create a contamination hazard when reused. But reusable masks generally have nonporous surfaces that can be easily cleaned with a disinfecting wipe. (It has to be one that doesn’t create noxious fumes, obviously! This eliminates bleach for sure; alcohol may be okay if you wait long enough for it to evaporate. I’m not sure how quaternary ammonia compounds are on this metric, but my wipes at least do not seem to smell noxious.)
My plan is to use a reusable p100 mask, with copper tape on the structural components, hopefully forming a barrier between the external filters/valves and the internal surfaces, and then to wash my hands before / after wearing it. No idea whether this will be any good, but it seemed more workable / less potentially blameworthy than acquiring disposable masks in a shortage.