As we noted earlier, risks from common, household indoor-pollution sources are far more serious than rare biological threats, such as anthrax or the bird flu. Household risks become even more of an issue if you are actively renovating your home. The masks below, when properly used, can help protect you from most of these hazards.
Common, disposable mask Half-face mask
Half-face mask (organic vapor) Full-face mask |
| Hazard | Hazard Examples | Impact on Health | Protection (what mask to use) | Typical Prices |
| dust, allergens | pollen, mold, house dust, saw dust, spackling dust, animal dander, dust mite feces | lung damage; eye, nose, and throat irritation; potential for infection. Linked to asthma. | Disposable mask, NIOSH-approved N, R, or P (95 to 100) particulate filtering mask. If you are susceptible to mold, pollen, and other allergens, wear this mask when cleaning the house. Available at home, hardware, lumber, and paint stores. | $4 - $8 |
| fumes | soldering, welding, anything involving the combustion | from minor respiratory irritation to serious lung damage (for longer exposures) | A NIOSH-approved, half or full-face mask with P100 filter and cartridge for dust and fumes. | mask $25 to $100+; filter cartridge $10 - $20. |
| irritants | Ammonia, bleach, chlorine |
from minor eye, nose, and throat irritation to lung/respiratory-system damage | For bleach and chlorine, use a NIOSH-approved, half or full-face mask with cartridge for acid gases. For ammonia, use a cartridge for ammonia. Full-face maks protect eyes from splashes and high concentrations. | mask $25 to $100+; filter cartridge $10 - $20. |
| solvents | adhesives, certain glues, paints and paint remover (e.g. kerosene), diesel, gasoline. | from minor eye, nose, and throat irritation to lung/respiratory-system damage | NIOSH-approved, half or full-face mask with P100 filter and cartridge for volatile organic vapor. Use of a full-face mask protects eyes from splashes and high concentrations. | mask $25 to $100+; filter cartridge $10 - $20. |
