Singapore has been affected by severe smoke haze due to forest fires in the region periodically. This is due to the common practice of open burning to clear land for agricultural uses. It can be made worse by dry seasons, changes in wind direction and poor precipitation. Prevailing winds sometimes carry smoke haze produced by the forest fires over Singapore’s skies. This is especially so during the Southwest Monsoon Season.
During the Haze period, it is common for commuters to don on Masks to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the haze.
Below we have listed 4 key things you have to consider before buying a mask to protect your office and loved ones from the haze.
1. N95
Haze can contain fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5), and studies have shown that N95 masks do provide good protection against particle pollutants as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns.
Ordinary face masks may not be up to standard in protection against the Haze. Always choose an N95 mask to be safe.
The variance in price between ordinary face masks and N95 masks are made up for by the real additional protection N95 masks provide.
2. NIOSH approved
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) specifies minimum approval requirements for respiratory protective devices.
Certificates of approval are issued for a respiratory protective device (RPD) that meets the applicable requirements.
The use of the NIOSH label obligates the applicant to whom it was issued to maintain the quality level of manufactured respirators and assure that the RPD is manufactured to the drawings and specifications upon which the certificate of approval is based.
There are many N95 mask suppliers in the market that boasts being of NIOSH approved. However our team has discovered that many of these brands with NIOSH approval stamps are in fact not listed in the NIOSH list of approved N95 masks suppliers and models.
NIOSH list of approved N95 Mask suppliers and models can be found here: Click Here
Always check with NIOSH's list to be safe before buying any NIOSH approved N95 mask.
3M is a locally trusted supplier of N95 masks.
3. Trusted Supplier
Always get your masks from trusted suppliers. Vendors may source masks from cheaper sources with dubious qualities.
At DD wholesale, we get our supply of 3M's N95 masks from our list of trusted sources in bulk to provide you with quality and safe to use masks.
You can view our available N95 Masks here: Click here
4. Functionality of Mask
As with clothes, masks come in different shapes and sizes.
When choosing your mask, consider what type of masks would you prefer as well as the circumstances in which you will be using the masks.
3M's N95 masks come in various shapes and sizes. 2 of the main ones are the Cup-shaped masks and the Foldable masks.
3M's Cup shaped masks are designed to cover most face sizes and provide maximum protection against harmful airbourne particles.
Its adjustable noseclip and soft nose foam helps provide a custom fit with secure seal and reduce eyewear fogging.
We recommend 3M's N95 8210 for Cup shaped masks for its comfort and price for quality.
To buy for find out more about 3M's N95 8210 Mask here: Click here
3M's Foldable masks are designed to be folded flat for ease of carrying around while maintaining its protection quality.
It is suitable for carrying around in purses, cars and bags as it minimizes space as compared to its cup shaped counterpart.
Recommended for commuters who travel light to carry a piece or 2 for use during the haze season.
We recommend 3M's N95 9105 (V-flex) for foldable masks for its compact design and price.
To buy or find out more about 3M's N95 9105 (V-flex) here: Click here
3M's Children's masks are designed to fit the size of smaller faces. Currently only cup shaped mask is available for children size masks.
Recommended for children from age of 5 to 12, or anyone with smaller faces. Now available at DD Wholesale.
We recommend 3M's N95 8110S(Children Size) for children for its smaller size and protection.
To buy or find out more about 3M's N95 8110S(Children Size) here: Click here
And that's it! After you have bought your mask, remember to wear it and stay healthy!
For more tips on how to keep healthy during the haze period: Click here