MPP gives out free N95 mask

suppadmin | September 23, 2019

MPP Chairman, Lo Khere Chiang and staff and Councillors from MPP and Supp Batu kitang, gave out free N95 mask to the hawkers at 3 rd miles market, Kota Sentosa Market and 10 miles market.

Kuching registered very unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for weeks. Those working outdoors should take precautionary measures until the situation improved.

Lo advised the residents, especially senior citizens and children, to lessen outdoor activities till the air quality gets improvement.

“Air quality reaches unhealthy level in Kuching , children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid or minimise outdoor activity. If they have to be outdoors for several hours, an N95 mask may help them reduce their exposure. N95 masks are not necessary if you are going to be indoors or out for only a short period of time, such as commuting from home to school or work. The mask will only work if it fits the face of the wearer. If the fit is not good, the air the wearer breathes in will go through the gaps between the mask and his face, and not through the filter as intended,” he said.

Haze, he said, can contain fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5), and studies have shown that N95 masks provide good protection against particle pollutants as they are at least 95 per cent efficient against fine particles that are between 0.1 and 0.3 microns.

“You can reuse your N95 mask, however, the mask should be changed when it is soiled or distorted in shape. It should not be shared. Do adhere to our haze health advisory. In most cases, it is still safe to carry on with outdoor activities. However, drinking plenty of water may help symptoms such as a dry or itchy throat. Each individual’s reaction to pollutants may vary, and the amount of physical activity or exertion that can be performed differs according to your health status or physical capacity. Should you encounter symptoms or discomfort, please take additional measures to prevent further exposure,” he added.