Can I reuse my N95, KN95 mask amid bad air quality? DOH says it’s OK 

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said there’s nothing wrong with reusing N95 or KN95 masks, which are highly recommended, amid the unhealthy air quality being recorded in Metro Manila. 

“Pwede naman hong ano ‘yan i-reuse kasi hindi naman ho ito laban sa COVID-19. Hindi virus yung kalaban natin na tulad noon na kapag inulit mo ang gamit ng [mask] ay maaari kang ma-infect," DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said in an interview with "Balitanghali."

"Pero again the best is still kung may bagong mask tayo,” he added. 

(It can actually be reused because this isn't a fight against COVID-19. We are not battling against a virus like before, where reusing a [mask] could lead to infection. So it's not like that. But again, it is still best if we wear a new mask.) 

In the absence of N95 or KN95 masks, the DOH said ordinary medical masks or damp cloth can still do the job in protecting from bad air. 

Further, the DOH said double masking, or wearing two layers of medical masks, is alright as well. The department reminded the public to make sure that the masks tightly cover the nose and the mouth for protection against pollutants. 

“Siguraduhin natin na hapit doon sa paligid ng ating ilong at ng ating bibig. Kasi ayun yung ayaw nating mapasukan nung ating haze,” said Domingo. 

(Let’s make sure that it is tight around our nose and our mouth. Because those are the areas where we don't want the haze to enter. ) 

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ real-time air quality monitoring as of 3 p.m. Monday, “acutely unhealthy” levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 were recorded in two areas: 

• Marikina CEMO 
• Valenzuela City 

Meanwhile, “very unhealthy” air quality was recorded in Quezon City (SMPH Commonwealth). 

Further, “unhealthy” concentrations of PM2.5 was observed in the following areas: 

• Caloocan (Univ. of East) 
• Malabon City 
• Mandaluyong City 
• Navotas 
• Quezon City (Ateneo) 
• San Juan City 

The air quality in Makati City is “good” while those of “Muntinlupa (Filinvest City) and Taguig City (TUP) were classified as “fair.” 

PM2.5 refers to tiny solid particles and liquid droplets in the air measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs.

The common sources of PM2.5 pollution in Metro Manila are: motor vehicle exhaust, construction site dust, road dust, practices related to waste management, and the burning of organic matter, known as biomass burning. 

According to experts, short-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause health issues like premature death among those with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms. 

The lingering haze from the fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, which began on April 10, has contributed to the bad air quality in Metro Manila and nearby towns. 

“Ngayon, kung hindi ho agad mapatay yung sunog, dapat yung mga lugar na apektado ay magsasara ng mga pintuan at bintana ang mga taong nasa loob ng bahay, at kung hindi po kakayanin yung basta-basta sarado, magsuot nga po ng N95 o KN95 masks,” said Domingo. 

(Now, if the fire cannot be put out immediately, people in the affected areas should close their doors and windows while inside the house, and if simply closing them isn't enough, they should wear N95 or KN95 masks.)