PPE/Respiratory Protection For Allergies: How To Stay Protected While Working Outdoors

Many allergies can interfere with your daily activities more than you initially anticipate. Whether you are out in the field as a landscaper, equine groomer, doing housework in the spring time, doing yard work/gardening as a hobby, handling pets or even in the presence of gas and fumes, you can suddenly be plagued by an allergy attack. There are a plethora of outdoor triggers for allergies that one can come into contact with simply by stepping outdoors.

Luckily, you can limit your risk to exposure of these triggers with the help of a good respirator along with a few other tactics.

1. A Respirator

Wearing a respirator or dust mask can prevent you from suffering from asthma, conjunctivitis, rashes, sinus inflammation etc.

Don’t suffer with allergies? Protection from the dust is still a smart approach for maintaining your health in the long term.

 While there are a variety of options out there to choose from, here are a few masks that are perfect for allergy protection.

• The Reusable Mask
  The lightest in protection – this mask is perfect for light and short yard work/exposure to the elements or quick everyday activity.
  
  
• The KN95
  The KN95 rating ensures that 95% of particles as small as .3 microns are trapped. Most pollen or dust particles from trees, weeds, and grass fall within this particle size range and will be filtered out. These inexpensive masks are a sure fire way to block reaction causing allergens. Simply throw away and replace after a couple of uses.
  
  
• The Filterspec
  One of the most effective masks for allergen protection due to its combination of face protection and eye protection. This mask protects you at an N99 level, superior to that of an N95 and protects your eyes (another entryway for allergens) with its removable eyewear. The Filterspec’s design optimizes comfort and allows for cost efficient filter changes due to its “toss and replace” filter insert design. Filter inserts sold in boxes of 10 separately.
  
  
• The Powercap
  The mecca of all allergen protection. This powered respirator is perfect when working out in the elements. With its lightweight design, built in bumpcap and N99 protection level, this positive pressure airflow respirator will keep you working comfortably and safely for up to 8 hours of battery life. Not to mention, the positive pressure airflow provides a cooling effect.

2. Dress to Protect
   
   It is important to dress wisely while working outdoors: long sleeves, gardening gloves, and a hat will ensure that your hands stay clean, your skin avoids any irritation, and your hair doesn’t catch any pollen. Not to mention, avoid any possible interaction with allergy causing stinging insects.
   
   

3. Be Strategic In Your Timing
   
   Many might think that the mid day and afternoon hours are the most ideal as far as temperature, but pollen counts are in fact at the highest during this time period of the day. Choose to work in the early mornings and evening or also immediately after any rain showers (which clears the pollen away). Be sure to avoid working after any thunderstorms as they actually increase airborne allergens and give way to standing water (a strong breeding ground for mold spores).

Whether you’re mowing, gardening, or cleaning up after your dog, the appropriate protection will ensure you enjoy the outdoors far more comfortably and for longer.

Stay safe out there.