DUST MASKS

It’s best to wear a face mask when working in potentially hazardous industries, such as mining and construction, and when engaging in activities, such as woodworking, metalworking, and even cleaning your house if you are sensitive to airborne particles.

Dust forms virtually everywhere we go. Household dust is mainly composed of skin cells, hair, clothing fibers, bacteria, dust mites, bits of dead bugs, soil, and other airborne particles that settle on surfaces.

Exposure to dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure to industrial and construction particles can even lead to illness, including silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and even death.

We carry a wide variety of disposable dust masks and reusable respirators designed for harmful substances. You will also find a selection of dust masks specifically built to protect against certain pathogens and airborne hazards, including paint fumes and chemicals.

You can shop for the best dust mask by color, price, and brand. We have multiple options to choose from, including Moldex and 3M dust masks, including N95 respirators, which have been approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). For example, the 3M’s 8233 N100 mask is a top-rated lightweight respirator that protects against metal fumes, certain radioactive particulate materials, and non-oil-based mists. Look for this NIOSH certification when deciding on the best dust mask for the job.

It’s important to replace your dust mask often as it fills with dirt and debris. Some dust masks can be used for months or years before needing repair or replacement. In general, all of these dust masks should be discarded after they become soiled or if breathing becomes difficult.

Learn more about the dust masks we carry, including how to wear them and how to choose the right style and type for the task at hand.

NIOSH Items: We only sell brand-new respirators, filters, and dust masks from U.S.-based manufacturers. Since it can be difficult to determine if a dust mask has been used or even just tried on, we do not accept NIOSH returns for the protection of our customers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do dust masks protect against the flu? 

Wearing a dust mask or respirator can protect you from the flu as well as airborne viruses, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19; however, they don’t offer 100% protection. These dust masks can help block the spread of respiratory droplets containing influenza, but transmission is still possible. 

If you are looking for COVID-19 PPE and to protect yourself from the flu, the CDC recommends an N95 as your best option for respiratory protection. Cloth masks don’t offer the same level of protection as the N95. N95 dust masks come with an NIOSH approval and are commonly used in the healthcare industry.

How should you wear dust masks?

When donning the dust mask, it should fit over your nose and mouth with the straps going either around your ears or behind your head. If you have a full-face mask, it will cover your entire face. The dust mask should be comfortable to wear, especially if you need to wear it for long periods for optimal comfort.

For comfort, consider finding a lightweight dust mask with an adjustable strap or one that wraps around your head so the strings don’t pull at your ears. Use the strap to adjust the fit. It should provide a tight seal and fit securely on your face without leaving any gaps for contaminants to get through. On some dust masks, you can also use the nose clip to shape the top of the mask securely around your nose.

Where can I buy dust masks?

You can buy dust masks and some types of respirators at many hardware stores and pharmacies. They mostly carry disposable dust masks designed to be thrown away after a few uses. Hardware stores often cater to construction professionals and those doing tasks around the house.

The best dust mask for professional woodworkers is a half-face respirator. However, brick-and-mortar stores only have a limited selection of products to sell. They may run out of stock if there is a public health emergency. Fortunately, you will find a greater selection of masks online. Online retailers tend to have a greater stockpile of goods to sell, so there’s less of a chance that they will run out when you need them most. Stick with reputable online stores that provide masks from trusted dust mask brands.

Can you reuse dust masks?

You can reuse some dust masks if you are only using them for a few minutes or hours at a time. However, disposable dust masks need to be replaced often. The material may get wet or stained, putting it at risk of damage. The straps will also become loose over time. If the dust mask doesn’t seal properly over the face, replace it immediately to minimize risks.

Will a dust mask provide respiratory protection against asbestos?

If you are working near or around asbestos, you need to wear either a full-face or half-face dust mask with proper P100-rated filters and cartridges that have been tested and certified for safety. Common dust masks are not sufficient for protecting against asbestos, which can be found in the agriculture and construction industries.

Contact our professionals at 855-469-2728 for more information about using dust masks.