or the second day in a row, the eastern U.S. was enveloped in a hazy beige smog that blocked the skies and sun of early summer. Countless tiny particles from the raging Canadian wildfires—measuring 2.5 microns or less in width —are polluting the air. In New York City, levels of these particulates have soared to nearlythe recommended guideline established by the World Health Organization, according to data collected by IQAir.
The sight and smell of obviously unclean air prompted many to dig up the masks they had used while they were still taking COVID-19 precautions and wear them outside. But how much can masks protect against wildfire particulates? It depends on which type you wear. Experts say that N95 or KN95 masks, which are designed to filter out 95% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, are the most effective masks that most people have access to.