Can respirators be recommended as a public health measure?
Respirators are effective but the extent of efficacy is still under trial. There is limited evidence to recommend respirators as a public health measure. However, respirators can be used on daily purpose to reduce, and possibly minimize, exposure to air pollution and inhaling the toxicants and pollutants. Public can wear respirators in; • Occupational setting • Educational institutes • Healthcare premises • Natural disasters e.g. volcanic eruption, wildfires, dust storm, desert dust syndromes • Communicable diseases Some individuals such as patients of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions may not like wearing respirators as it gives them a sense of suffocation. They are a special exception to not wear respirators unless critical.