Do not use HEPA filters as face masks

[KT2000]

This is a good article that synthesizes much of what I have found on the subject of what materials to use for masks.

No on the HEPA vacuum bags. HEPA filters are made with microscopic glass fibers that can enter the lungs. In one video I saw where there is also a layer of plastic film in some. The vacuum bags that are not HEPA and therefore do not contain the glass fibers, ex. Filtrete by 3M, only protect to 2 microns in size.

https://www.myclallamcounty.com/2020/04/09/from-scarves-to-hepa-filters-what-kind-of-face-covering-is-best/

[lagomorph777]

1. WTAF? So a vacuum cleaner is allowed to blow glass fibers into the air?

What's the point of a filter that emits hazmat of its own?

[Yonnie3]

3. I don't believe they emit glass fibers in use

Cutting them to make face masks would likely release some of the fiber.

[hlthe2b]

2. I pointed this out to about a dozen people... All who looked at me like I was crazy...

Please disseminate this information. Better a multi-layer hand-made cloth mask than one that can cause future and permanent lung damage.

Of course, some of these were the same people bemoaning the fact they can't find mercury thermometers.

I guess many have their own way of assessing/justifying personal risk.

[Blue_true]

11. Good point on the multilayer cloth mask.

A person can cut three or four patches that cover from above their nose to below their mouth. They can improve the filtration power by laying each subsequent layer over the one before so that the threads of the two layers form an "x" or "t". If they have three pieces, sew the first two with the thread directions forming a right angel, sew the third layer at a 45 degree angle to the second layer. A person can visually set the layers so that multiple layers of threads are never in the same direction.

[Kaleva]

4. The 3M Filtrete MERV 2800 is rated at capturing 81% of particles in the .3 to 1 micron size range

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1740587O/filtrete-merv-vs-mpr.pdf

Need to find a secondary source but one site say 3M filtrete filters are made of 3M (filtrete) are made from polypropylene (same as surgical masks?) and polyefin plastic (food wrap).

[rufus dog]

5. GREAT POST

I ordered some vacuum bags two days ago.

Noticed a link "are these being used for masks?'

Since I wasn't, didn't click the link, hopefully it is a warning not to use.

The vacuum bags won't ship for two and a half weeks, so obviously an issue.

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. JUST watched a youtube doctor(?) giving directions how to make one

out of HEPA filter.

Scary that if a real Dr. he would not know that.


Link is on another puter, tho....

[KT2000]

9. think I saw that

and she also cut the plastic film out of the HEPA filter? I'm afraid people are using things they shouldn't for masks.

[uppityperson]

7. Thank you

[WestLosAngelesGal]

8. What about paper coffee filters?

Just picked up a package of 150 at Dollar Tree.

[KT2000]

10. have heard of people using those

I am making masks with a pocket for such things as paper towels and coffee filters. I would imagine they would be pretty clean but do check to see if they are made in China. My friend from China refuses to use anything made in China and sold to the US as she says there is a lot of misuse and over use of chemicals in production there.

My caveat is this: When using anything for off label use, make sure to do a search for Material Data Safety Sheets. They can only give you a rough idea as they keep secret under "trade secrets" protection a lot of ingredients. But it helps.