Dust masks for kids

I have been looking for good masks that fit children that would be good for use during a building collapse, volcanic eruption or other event where there would be a lot of particulate matter in the air. Preferably something like the N95 masks that fold flat. What do you guys recommend?

Concrete dust probably does not require an N95 or better respirator (not sure about volcanic ash).

That said, I have never seen a "child-sized" N95 respirator. One reason is because these are made primarily for work-related wear. Economically, it probably doesn't make sense for any company to make child-sized versions, nor would any company likely pay the money to certify one just for children. And secondly, the respiratory effort to breathe through an N95 or better respirator may be an issue for some children compared to an adult, especially for long periods of time.

If you really want that level of protection, you're probably limited to full-hood types of protection, like certain products made for children geared towards NBC (nuclear-biological-chemical) terrorist attacks. Many/most seem to be positive-pressure units where a battery-powered fan is what forces the outside air through the filter.

If a hood type is too big to practically carry all the time but want something that will provide some protection, how about a face mask?

http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Clark-Childs-Stretchable-Earloops-Latex/dp/B001RRRVMU

No affiliation.

Jeanette Isabelle

Jeanette's option is a good one (and so cute!), and reminded me that I forgot about the "dust masks" part.

If you don't want to mail order something, if you can find an Asian "dollar store" near you, like a Daiso Store, they may have child sized "dust masks."

As many of you know, it is quite common for children and adults in some Asian countries, like Japan, to wear masks when they are ill (to keep from spreading their germs to healthy people). Also worn during spring allergy season. And in some countries, they are worn due to increasing levels of air pollution, like in Beijing and Shanghai.

There are a few child size N95 masks on Ebay...but be prepared to pay a premium. As Arney mentioned, face masks are very popular with Asians and a Google or Ebay search will also yield some cheaper options for child sized masks.

Interesting! Granted, it's been many years since I last checked, but these child-sized N95 products did not exist when I last checked. My mistake.

Just did a quick check on Ebay and found these colorfully trendy products--from the company name, sounds like they were made specifically for air pollution in Hawaii from volcanic "vog". And they appear to fold flat, so maybe something like these would work.

Not to suggest you stop looking, but don't forget the alterantives: multipurpose items that may help in this regard. A scarf/ bandana is always a good item to add to children kits.

Please note that some masks, like the Kimberly Clark's above and those used in surgery or in Asian countries, are to contain droplets breathed OUT to reduce environmental contamination. They give zero protection on breathing in.

Others, the work type, are designed to prevent INHALATION of particles, like those used in dust-masks.

Even the dust-mask type do not eliminate all inhaled particles, thus the US designations of N95 and N99 (95% and 99%) and even then only under specified conditions.

Exercising, heavy breathing, user error and so on will reduce the protection to 50% or less and only for a short while, perhaps minutes, and are difficult to wear for an extended time.

A half mask and filter will give much better, but still not complete, protection. But they introduce their own problems.

By far and away the best strategy to prevent particulate inhalation is to not be there.

Run away. Go cross wind. Fast. Don't waste time fiddling with a mask, just run and use a folded handkerchief. (you always carry a handkerchief don't you?) and you know how to deploy it in a second or so with no training.

Taking this conversation to its logical conclusion, the Israelis make child size full-face masks and they are available from surplus suppliers. I am both happy and sad that they have developed this technology.

For Dust, a bandanna is just as effective as any dust mask. If you're trying to protect from biological hazards, N95 helps, but if you're just talking about dust/smoke, a red bandanna is all you really need. A little water on it and you're all set.

Small, light, foldable.