Are Wet Towels for a Face Mask Suitable for Australia’s Bushfire Smoke?

November 28 2024, by Tatianna Gerard, 6 min reading time

In the heat of a wildfire, when smoke billows thick and menacing, myths about survival spread almost as rapidly as the flames themselves. One such pervasive misconception revolves around the use of wet towels or cloth to shield oneself from inhaling smoke. It’s useful in its own way but there are some limitations to it when it comes to everyday use during the bushfire season, and we’re going to cover why this method holds water only in specific circumstances, shedding light on its limitations and guiding you towards safer alternatives.

Wet towels are only effective in immediate fire situation

Imagine you find yourself trapped in a room rapidly filling with dense smoke, making it nearly impossible to breathe. In such cases, a wet towel can be used to cover your face, enabling you to navigate through the smoke-filled areas more effectively. By breathing through the moist fabric, you can reduce the intensity of smoke inhalation, allowing you to breathe air that is marginally clearer, buying you precious seconds to find an escape route during a fire evacuation.

But- and this is a huge BUT, this method only applies to situations where you need to escape from a space that is already engulfed in fire, and this is one of the ways in a fire evacuation plan when you can’t get out right away.

It's not a strategy that translates seamlessly into day-to-day use, especially during the bushfire season. Unlike the controlled environment of an escape scenario, the pervasive smoke during bushfires permeates the atmosphere for extended periods, creating a constant, lingering threat. In the face of prolonged smoke exposure, this makeshift solution reveals its significant limitations, highlighting the crucial need for more effective protective measures.

Australia air quality during the bushfire

During the Australia bushfire seasons, the very air Australians breathe becomes a concerning issue, amplified by the drastic fluctuations in the Air Quality Index (AQI). Typically, in normal conditions, the AQI ranges between 0 to 50, signifying good to moderate air quality.

To put it into perspective, the AQI level deemed "hazardous" falls in the range above 300. During the bushfire crisis in Australia, the AQI was recorded at levels five times higher than this already alarming threshold. This means that the air quality during these times far exceeded what is typically considered life-threatening.

Limitations for daily use: Why wet towels are not enough

The smoke that billows from a wildfire is not just an inconvenience; it's a dangerous concoction of microscopic particles, chemicals, and toxins suspended in the air. While a wet towel can capture larger smoke particles to some extent, it fails miserably when it comes to filtering out the finer, more insidious particles. These minuscule elements easily penetrate the damp fabric, making their way into the lungs and bloodstream. Over time, exposure to these fine smoke particles can lead to severe respiratory issues, aggravating existing conditions and posing significant health risks.

That said, while a damp cloth might seem like a quick fix, it’s far from practical for everyday use during bushfire season. Wearing a damp covering around your face can quickly become uncomfortable, especially during daily errands like grabbing a coffee or grocery shopping. The constant need to re-wet and adjust the cloth to maintain its effectiveness can make it inconvenient and unreliable, highlighting why it may not be the most suitable option for consistent protection against bushfire smoke.

How to avoid inhaling smoke? P2 masks are the superior alternative to wet towels or cloth masks

So, what would be your most practical AND effective solution for day-to-day use? It’s a proper face mask, of course, specifically the P2 mask. Unlike its soggy counterpart, P2 masks offer consistent and reliable, and, most importantly, dry protection against the smoky foes that haunt our skies. It's not just a piece of fabric; it's a technologically advanced solution designed specifically to tackle the microscopic menace that smoke carries.

At the heart of the P2 masks lies its exceptional filtration efficiency. These masks boast a high-grade filtering material that can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. To put it in perspective, that's smaller than the width of a human hair. This level of filtration is on par with N95 masks, which means you’re getting the same high standard of protection.

But for a lot of P2 masks and standard surgical masks, they are made from melt-blown filters, to which when they get moist from breathing, the filtration efficiency drops. There are certain P2 masks, however, that are made with nanofiber technology that works a lot better than the standard P2 masks, like the AMD P2 respirators. These fibres are intricately woven to form a dense network, creating a labyrinthine structure that effectively traps even the tiniest particles suspended in the air.

Consider upgrading your face mask for better protection

Cloth masks, often touted for their comfort and reusability, unfortunately, lack the essential features required to combat the formidable challenges posed by bushfire smoke. While it can be useful in the face of immediate emergency, it is not enough to provide adequate protection during extended periods of smoke exposure. As bushfire seasons become more prolonged and severe, it is imperative to seek more reliable and efficient means of safeguarding against the harmful effects of smoke.

Upgrading your face mask to specialised respirators like P2 equipped with advanced filtration technologies is not just a safety measure; it’s a life-saving necessity, especially in hazardous situations like bushfires. These masks offer airtight seals, superior filtration efficiency, and comfort, ensuring you can breathe clean air without compromising safety.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is based on research conducted by our team using credible medical and relevant sources. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, it should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional regarding any medical condition or concerns.