Hello, everyone.
This is Enta.
Are you wearing a dust mask??
In the midst of this scorching heat.
Even major general contractors are telling us to wear masks despite this intense heat, but I have to say, this is really taking it too far.
However,On the other hand, when you consider the health and safety of the workers, I can certainly understand that point of view.
So, what kind of dust mask is best for the summer?
I’d like to think about that.
The Risks of Wearing a Dust Mask in the Summer
1. Increased Risk of Heat Stroke
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Trapped Breath and Body Heat: Since dust masks cover the mouth and nose,Heat and water vapor from exhaled breath accumulate inside the maskThis makes it easier for the temperature of the face and head to rise, hindering heat dissipation.
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Inhibition of Sweat Evaporation: Sweat on the face doesn't evaporate easily, andReduced skin cooling effect→ This increases the risk of heatstroke.
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The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Guidelines for Preventing Heat Stroke in the Workplace” also state that,Respiratory protective equipment is a factor contributing to heat stress...as clearly stated.
2. Increased Respiratory Load
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Respiratory resistance: Since air passes through the filter, it puts a strain on the intake system, andIncreased respiratory work。
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Since respiratory rate naturally increases at high temperatures, when the resistance caused by a mask is added,Increased cardiopulmonary strain。
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NIOSH also warns that “personal protective equipment increases breathing resistance and thermal discomfort.”
3. Accumulation of CO₂ and Moisture
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Re-inhalation of Carbon Dioxide: Exhaled CO₂ builds up inside the mask, causing headaches and difficulty concentrating.
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Rising Humidity: High humidity inside the room can cause increased discomfort and fatigue when breathing.
4. Decline in Work Efficiency and Safety
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Decreased Concentration: High temperatures combined with respiratory strain can lead to a lack of concentration and impaired judgment.
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Blurred Vision: When wearing goggles or glasses, they are prone to fogging, which increases the risk of secondary accidents such as falls or collisions.
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Difficulty Communicating: Communication among workers is hindered, and the transmission of safety instructions is delayed.
5. Risks Under Special Conditions
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Long working hours: If worn for several hours or more in high-temperature or dusty environments,Dehydration, Elevated Body Temperature, and Accumulated Fatigueis particularly noticeable.
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Elderly people and those with chronic conditions: Workers with cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases or high blood pressure face an additional strain on their respiratory and circulatory systems,Risk of Sudden Deterioration。
Selecting Masks for Use During the Summer
A. Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR: for particulate matter = P-PAPR)
B. Air-fed (air line) + cooling attachment
C. Direct-connection type (half-face, full-face) +With exhaust valveModel (Minimum Requirements During Hot Weather)
After doing some research, here's what I found:
A
That's roughly it—it costs about 50,000 yen at Monotaro.
In our case, it’s pretty tough to think about this getting stained with mortar, isn’t it?
Looks like I'm going to need something else on top of this mask to keep it clean, lol.
B
At this point, we're definitely in different fields, lol.
With this thing attached, I can't move on the slope, and there's mortar and cement all over it!!
But now that we've gotten this far, we can feed air directly from the compressor, so it might actually be a lot cooler than an air-conditioned suit!!?
C
This is it, after all!
The version with this exhaust valve has a lower risk of heatstroke and is very versatile.
At 3M, they call it a "noren-type exhaust valve."
3M Heat Stress Prevention Catalog
Since this mask is disposable and has a valve that prevents heat from building up, it should be fine.
Price-wise, they're less than 200 yen each
It's great that they can replace it in just one day, even when mortar is flying all over the place like it did for us, isn't it?
Let's work together to create a work environment that's a little more comfortable, while still keeping safety in mind.
See you later.
