How To Protect Children From The Haze Outdoors

During haze season, it is important to protect yourself and your children from the haze especially when you’re outdoors, as it contains harmful pollutants such as smoke, PM2.5, and VOCs that are bad for health, and it could worsen symptoms in those with respiratory health conditions like asthma.

In this article, we will find out ways of protecting children from the haze outdoors.

1. Respirators

Respirators, such as N95, FFP2, KN95, and DS2 respirators, are the best way to protect your children from the haze outdoors.

Headband respirators, especially those that are N95 or FFP2, usually only come in adult sizes, while headband and earloop KN95 and DS2 respirators may come in sizes suitable for children.

When worn properly in the presence of bad air pollution (covering the mouth and nose with no gaps and leaks around the respirator and face), respirators can filter up to 99.9% of airborne pollutants, making them a highly effective form of personal protection.

2. Laminar air purifiers

Sometimes, it may not be possible for children to use a respirator due to comfort, health reasons, or stock shortages.

An alternative or additional layer of personal protection would be a laminar air purifier. A laminar air purifier delivers a clean stream of highly filtered air directly to the user’s face, and it may come in different form factors such as a portable unit meant to be placed on a flat surface, or a handheld device that must be held closely in front of the user’s face.

Unlike room air purifiers which have turbulent airflow, the air flow from a laminar air purifier is highly laminar, meaning that particles move in a straight line and filthy particles from surrounding air are not as likely to enter the breathing space as compared to a device that produces turbulent air flow.

Some advantages of laminar air purifiers:

More comfortable to use than a respirator, as respirators may be “stuffy” or “hot” to use after long periods of time
Reusable. Laminar air purifiers could be recharged and filters last for 150 – 200 hours, whereas most respirators, especially ones that fit children, are disposable

Some caveats to note:

Based on testing, the level of protection may vary depending on device, but in terms of Equivalent Protection Factor (EPF), it could be close to an N95, and at the bare minimum it is better than a face mask.
It must be used properly. Portable units placed on a desk need to be used within a certain distance (protection between a face mask and N95) and aligned to the user’s face, while handheld devices have to be held very closely in front of the user’s face (protection close to an N95)
Wind (such as fans, room air purifiers, air conditioning, and outdoor wind) could interfere with the laminar flow, thus reducing protection
Laminar air purifiers are recommended as a additional layer of personal protection on top of a respirator, but it provides good protection in the event a respirator cannot be used

Can face masks or surgical masks be used for haze?

No. Face masks and surgical masks are not tight-fitting and cannot be sealed to a person’s face. Unfiltered air is able to pass through the large gaps between one’s face and their mask.

Conclusion

The best way to protect children from the haze is a respirator. Consider buying a laminar air purifier for your child as an additional layer of protection, or as a form of protection if they cannot use a respirator. Lastly, it is best to limit time spent outdoors as much as possible.

AirFanta has a range of highly innovative laminar air purifiers in a variety of form factors for children and adults alike. Have a look at the products available below: