If you want to get rid of pests in your garden, you may have to take extreme measures, but that doesn’t mean you have to subject yourself to harsh chemicals. Before you treat your yard, consider if you should wear protective equipment, like a mask.
A protective mask isn’t necessary when spraying organic pesticides. However, wearing one is a good idea to protect the respiratory system. Lungs can absorb more than the skin, so it’s important to protect them . Fortunately, there are multiple types of masks available for this purpose.
Whether you’re spraying organic pesticides over a small garden or a huge plot of land, you should use a protective mask. That way, you can make sure that you don’t breathe in anything while you spray. Keep reading to learn more about wearing a protective mask.
What Is an Air-Purifying Respirator?
When it comes to protective equipment for spraying pesticides, you should look for a protective respirator rather than a thin face mask. Respirators can provide more protection and a better seal.
Air-purifying respirators will remove contaminants from the air and keep them from getting to your nose and mouth. You can secure the respirator behind your ears or tie it behind your head; the exact steps will depend on the design of the respirator that you get.
Either way, you can be safe from organic pesticides with one of these tools. You don’t have to worry about breathing in anything. If you do notice a foul smell or taste, you can replace the filter in your respirator.
What Is an Air-Supplying Respirator?
While not necessary for spraying organic pesticides, you can also use an air-supplying respirator. These have a separate air source, so you don’t have to rely on surrounding air to breathe. You also don’t have to worry as much about filters in the mask.
Using this type of mask is only necessary if you’ll be around a lot of chemicals for an extended period. Most gardeners don’t need to wear one.
If you can’t find an air-purifying respirator, it can be good to have an air-supplying respirator as a backup. That way, you can still apply the pesticides when you need to.
Air-Purifying Respirator Styles
If you’re going to wear an air-purifying respirator, you should consider the right style for you. All styles can help filter dust, mist, and other particles. Some of them may be able to protect you from gas and vapor.
Consider a few common types of respirators that you can use in your garden.
Pesticide Mask
A pesticide mask can cover your nose and mouth, and it filters anything that any other respirator can, such as mist and dust. If you use a dust type of pesticide, this mask can help keep you and your lungs safe.
The pesticide could have particles that float through the air, so you could still breathe some in. A good pesticide mask will protect you from that and liquid pesticides.
Wearing a pesticide mask is a good option if you’re new to gardening. You don’t have to worry about changing out filters, so you can get down to work.
Facial Mask
Another option you have is a simpler face mask, like the ones you see at doctor offices. However, you don’t want to use just any face mask. The mask you wear should cover your mouth and nose well. It should also ensure a tight seal.
Any gap could let in particles and make the mask ineffective. You should look for N95, N99, or N100 masks; other options include R95, R99, R100, P95, P99, and P100 masks. These masks are available on Amazon and are relatively cheap.
The letter and number stand for oil resistance and the minimum efficiency. N stands for not resistant, O stands for resistant for up to eight hours, and P stands for oil-proof. While no mask is 100 percent effective, the 100 means at least 99.97 percent effectiveness.
Mask With Canisters
Another name for this type of mask is a gas mask, and it can keep you safe from a lot. It contains canisters with air-purifying materials.
You can replace the canisters if they get worn out or stop working. That way, you can use the same mask for a longer period. With the previous type, you would need to throw out the entire device and get a new one.
However, make sure you know how to properly replace the filter. That way, you can make sure you have the protection you need.
Here is a nice video that illustrates the different types of masks
How Masks and Respirators Work
Before you choose which style of mask or respirator is best for you, consider how they work. Most masks work similarly: filtering out particles and dust. That can keep those things from getting into your lungs and causing problems.
When you wear a mask or respirator, you still need to breathe to pull air in. As you breathe, the mask filter will get rid of any dust or particles that it can detect. The one exception is if you choose an air-supplying respirator, though those aren’t necessary for most people.
To make sure your mask works well, make sure it forms a tight seal to your face. Some masks can protect you from the front, but if they have openings on the side, they won’t work. Mist and dust can still get in.
You should also look for masks with at least two straps since that can help keep the seal. Misusing a mask or respirator could be just as bad as not using one at all.
Should You Protect Your Skin?
If you wear a mask when spraying organic pesticides, you may consider how to protect your skin. Now, your skin is more robust than your lungs. Skin can handle more in terms of bacteria and other particles because that’s its job.
Still, it isn’t a bad idea to wear long sleeves and long pants when working in your garden. You can wear the clothes to protect your skin from any pesticides that you may accidentally spray towards yourself.
Unless you’re using a pesticide with a lot of harmful chemicals, you don’t have to wear protective clothing. For now, focus more on protecting your lungs.
Should You Protect Your Eyes?
Another area you might want to protect when spraying organic pesticides is your eyes. If you wear glasses, those can provide some protection. However, you may want to wear some goggles with a better seal to keep dust away from your eyes.
Goggles are also a great option for people who don’t wear glasses. After all, you need to see where you’re spraying the pesticides. Look for goggles that seal well and that are clear and easy to see out of.
If you do wear glasses, look for a pair of goggles you can wear over your glasses. Then, you can have the best eye protection possible.
What You Should Do if You Don’t Have a Respirator or Mask
Perhaps you really need to apply pesticide to your garden before the situation gets worse. You don’t have a good quality respirator available at home. It is possible to spray organic pesticides when you don’t have a mask.
Organic pesticides aren’t as toxic as non-organic options. However, they can still be harmful, depending on the chemicals they contain.
Before you spray the pesticide without wearing a protective mask, review the ingredients. Consider how safe the pesticide is and if it’s worth risking your health, and if not, get the best mask you can before you spray your garden.
Final Thoughts
When you think of organic products, you may think they’re safe. They can be, but they can still be dangerous, so you should always wear a protective mask when spraying organic pesticides. That way, you can keep your lungs free of potential damage.