What kind of dusk mask is needed?

thefreshmaker · Post by **thefreshmaker** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 2:27 pm

I see photos of a lot of people wearing these heavy duty commercial dusk masks. Is that really needed? or can you get by with a cheap white drywall mask?

Token · Post by **Token** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 2:44 pm

Yes.

I bring four.

Bandanna
Cheap particle mask
Better rubber woodworking particle mask with cartridge
Big dual cartridge 3M active charchoal painters mask

I have found myself in situations where each type was appropriate over the past ten burns I've attended.

Most of the time a bandanna is adequate.

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 2:51 pm

As always, the answer is "it depends". I used to just not mind breathing dust but I realized after last year that there might be a correlation between the amount of dust I breathe and the length of time post-burn I spend coughing up a lung.

How sensitive do you think your lungs are? Any history of bronchial problems, asthma, etc?
How comfortable is your dust mask? You won't wear it if it isn't comfortable.

I would say the average is somewhere around "cheap particle mask" with extremes in either direction.

This year I'm going to be about as well stocked as Token for masks until I can find something that really works - comfortable and effective.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 3:13 pm

When you first see the Wall o' Dust approaching your camp, you typically have about 15 seconds in which to determine whether the approaching cloud of doom is primarily composed of Nontronite, Saponite, Bentonite or Montmorillonite. Then choose from the above dust mask options accordingly.

Unless it catches you away from camp, in which case. I advice using the portable option.

dewnorth · Post by **dewnorth** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 3:13 pm

Bandanas SEEM to work to keep out dust. BUT, I can see through the holes in bandanas. So was I deluding myself? Are bandanas truly effective? (Please pardon the re-post, but I'm hoping somebody knows the answer.)

The BLM's exhibit at BRC 2009 said the EPA is concerned with dust particles 10 micrometers or smaller because those particles "generally pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs."

They haven't studied dust levels at Black Rock Desert, but they studied Owens Lake Bed. When winds got above 20 mph, dust levels were way above safe levels. And with winds above 30 mph, dust levels skyrocketed. (But I guess we didn't need a study to tell us that.)

No information was given about dust particle size at Black Rock Desert, so their information was anecdotal at best.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 3:15 pm

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 3:21 pm

I used the paper masks most of the week and they worked fine last year. The day of the burn it got alot worse though, so I used the one I have in my pic. It was amazing how good the air tasted when I was using that one. It wasn't very comfortable to wear though, so not sure I could go a whole week with something like that.

bm_cricket · Post by **bm_cricket** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 10:52 pm

dewnorth wrote:Bandanas SEEM to work to keep out dust. BUT, I can see through the holes in bandanas. So was I deluding myself? Are bandanas truly effective? (Please pardon the re-post, but I'm hoping somebody knows the answer.)

The BLM's exhibit at BRC 2009 said the EPA is concerned with dust particles 10 micrometers or smaller because those particles "generally pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs."

They haven't studied dust levels at Black Rock Desert, but they studied Owens Lake Bed. When winds got above 20 mph, dust levels were way above safe levels. And with winds above 30 mph, dust levels skyrocketed. (But I guess we didn't need a study to tell us that.)

No information was given about dust particle size at Black Rock Desert, so their information was anecdotal at best.

A few cute notes.. I was trying to do my senior thesis (Earth Science) on exactly this comparison. It was shot down. Nobody's done it because the equipment costs $20,000 per station, and the study costs ~$1,000-$5,000 per station if you want do to studies that will give quantitative results. And to do it right you'd need 6 or more setups...

In short, I wanted very much to study exactly this problem with exactly that comparison for those reasons (and, honestly, a few more) but the cost of doing research is extremely high. The actual recording stations ($20k) are reusable but most places don't have that many laying around.. you have to beg to get your hands on them...

And as for the bandanna question.. I doubt it does very much when it's dry. I put some water on mine periodically and it's amazing. In 2008 I got stuck deep, deep playa, I was tired, I had plenty of water.. Did I mention I was tired? I just wetted my bandanna and took a power nap. (I put it over my whole face so it covered everything. I felt great! If you keep it wet then I'm convinced it keeps almost everything out of you.

phil · Post by **phil** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 10:55 pm

The mask I use at dusk is in my avatar photo. I'll see you in your dreams. Bwahahahahaha

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 12:08 am

One word: shemagh!

Best thing I've ever used. Multiple uses: towel, scarf, dust mask, drape, sunshade, rolls up tight when not in use. Breathes easy unlike a lot of the masks, and the masks can get sweaty, too. First video shows how it can be worn with goggles also. I also wear it with a hat.

Hey, a billion or two Arabs can't be wrong!

pizzamancer · Post by **pizzamancer** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 12:30 am

Dust masks are very welcome. I doubted that I needed one my first burn, but I did bring along some paper ones. I was very glad that a buddy had a serious one and goggles.

geospyder · Post by **geospyder** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 7:56 am

Last year I used these and they worked very well...

This year I'm going to try these. Look like they might be more comfortable and they fold to fit in your pocket if you have one a pocket...

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 8:03 am

Somewhere around here, from a couple of years ago, is some pretty extensive scientific information on playa dust and health. May have been a link to some other site -- not actual text here on e-playa.

As I recall, this information concluded that if you lived on the Playa year round for a few decades, you would perhaps come down with silicosis or some such. But for one week a year, the hazard is not worth worrying about.

I find no need for a dust mask -- so far as immediate comfort is concerned. For me, the dust just blows in and out with the air, unnoticed. Even in a whiteout.

As for long term effects, all I can do is refer to the above mentioned research. Would be worth finding -- even maybe making it a Sticky.

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 8:32 am

ok, I am just reveling in this "pedantic" persona. You don't just need your dust mask at dusk. Mid afternoon is probably most important.

dewnorth · Post by **dewnorth** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 8:58 am

I've heard you need on in the late mid early morning. But never at dusk.

David M · Post by **David M** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:08 am

Cut the leave off an old T shirt and wear it around you face. Comfy and effective.

I also leaves you with a rockin sleeveless shirt to channel your inner douche bag.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:30 am

don't be complacent, it can get dusty ANY time of day or night........I carry one always........of course, it depends on your particular sensitivity to dust and such.

FaeTora · Post by **FaeTora** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:38 am

For the day I have lots of scarfs. They have double duty as "clothing" and as mask and they are very long so i can wrap them around quite a few times. At Night I am going to make lined thick chokers that just in case can be pulled up to cover my mouth.

dewnorth · Post by **dewnorth** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 10:06 am

I started a new topic based on info I found re: a story ABC News did about playa dust and lung problems.

Boy, am I going to get flamed now!

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 10:12 am

Wish I had a picture. I saw a guy with a pair of thong panties over his head, cloth part over the nose, triangle pointing up. I don't know how effective that would be against dust, but it looked fun to wear. Especially if they had been worn by someone special.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 10:24 am

hahaha, yeah, you could hang it on a bicycle seat when not using it...........

EmilyD · Post by **EmilyD** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 1:02 pm

dragonpilot wrote:One word: shemagh!

Best thing I've ever used. Multiple uses: towel, scarf, dust mask, drape, sunshade, rolls up tight when not in use. Breathes easy unlike a lot of the masks, and the masks can get sweaty, too. First video shows how it can be worn with goggles also. I also wear it with a hat.

Hey, a billion or two Arabs can't be wrong!

I'm with you on this dragonpilot. I made a couple of Shemaghs for myself and will also carry some of these

to wear underneath if it gets really bad. Thanks for the tip about water Cricket. That's very useful.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 3:29 pm

swampdog wrote:Wish I had a picture. I saw a guy with a pair of thong panties over his head, cloth part over the nose, triangle pointing up. I don't know how effective that would be against dust, but it looked fun to wear. Especially if they had been worn by someone special.

Was this the guy?

bm_cricket · Post by **bm_cricket** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 3:49 pm

dragonpilot wrote:
swampdog wrote:Wish I had a picture. I saw a guy with a pair of thong panties over his head, cloth part over the nose, triangle pointing up. I don't know how effective that would be against dust, but it looked fun to wear. Especially if they had been worn by someone special.
Was this the guy?

Classy. He's even doing that "hella bro, sick!" thing with his arms. Like he's about go to beat boxing or throwing down some mad rimes, like the hipp-hip-phop-opotamus , his rimes are bottomless!..............................................

Siiiiiiiicckkkkkk.

thesandman · Post by **thesandman** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 11:07 pm

i am going to wrap a shemagh around me, 2 times over my mouth and head is going to work no need for a NBC class gas mask lol

Rusted Iron · Post by **Rusted Iron** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 7:40 am

N-95.

(I think I just read that, like in another topic...)

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:07 am

As I understand it, wetting the bandanna can cause problems with dust caking on the outside. Maybe sleeping with it on isn't a good idea.

danibel · Post by **danibel** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:22 am

I brought some of those cheap paper dust masks last year, they were useless! I ended up using my bandanas or a large silk scarf. This was the best solution for me as I used the scarf and colorful bandanas as hair coverings and part of my outfit so they were readily available when the dust kicked up. I like the shemagh wrap idea. I may look that up and try to find some suitable fabric to make one or two.

FWIW - I am not super dust sensitive when it comes to breathing on the playa, it was my eyes that needed a good cover. I used Birdz goggles that came with three different colored lenses (clear, yellow, and gray). They were perfect for bright day time as well as night.

I could not stand to wear an industrial dust mask out there. I have one I bought when we remodeled the bathroom and did the demo ourselves. I find the damn thing hot and hard to breath in. YMMV.

bm_cricket · Post by **bm_cricket** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:42 am

theCryptofishist wrote:As I understand it, wetting the bandanna can cause problems with dust caking on the outside. Maybe sleeping with it on isn't a good idea.

It does cake on but then you simply rinse it a few times and you are good as new. If I'm going to sleep I climb into my sealed dome and sleep. I don't need a dust mask inside. But if I'm out on the playa I just use the wet bandanna. I always bring more water than I can ever possibly need. Maybe that's part of why I do it this way. I usually share a few huge water drums or cubes with people. It leaves us with plenty to go around.

And half the reason I do it is because it cakes on. I know it must be doing some good because where my mouth is on a dry bandanna it's clean but where my mouth is on a wet bandanna I get multi mm thick playa caked to the bandanna. That's playa that I bet would have happily gone straight through the fabric and into my lungs. Doing it this way I never have any kind of cough. It also means that my nose remains normal. No weird playa colored cake coming out of it. No cracked skin around my nose. All that stuff that people make a big deal about with your mouth and nose is easily taken care of by spending a few hours a day with a wet cloth over most of your face. Really... It works.

EmilyD · Post by **EmilyD** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 12:11 pm

danibel wrote:I brought some of those cheap paper dust masks last year, they were useless! I ended up using my bandanas or a large silk scarf. This was the best solution for me as I used the scarf and colorful bandanas as hair coverings and part of my outfit so they were readily available when the dust kicked up. I like the shemagh wrap idea. I may look that up and try to find some suitable fabric to make one or two.

danibel, I wish I'd used thinner fabric for my homemade Shemaghs. Because you double it as a triangle first it's twice as thick as you think it will be. thesandman measured his traditional one for me (I think it was 42" or so). Since most sheer cotton fabrics are 44/45" you only need 1.25 yards (includes hem) to make one. If you can find cotton voile I'd go for that.

What kind of dusk mask is needed?

What kind of dusk mask is needed?

Bandanas actually effective for <10 Micrometer Dust?

Re: Bandanas actually effective for <10 Micrometer Dust?

But never at dusk

See new topic: ABC News investigates Playa Lung?