How to Breathe Easy
Surgical masks were a hot item during the SARS scare back in 2003, and a new U.S. government report says the masks may help in the event of a global flu pandemic, though there's scientific uncertainty about exactly how much protection they afford. There are, however, other masks to cover the myriad perils of modern living.
SURGICAL MASK
PROTECTS AGAINST Large airborne particles. Cheap; might stop the flu. Those marked N-95 work better.
SMOKE MASK
PROTECTS AGAINST Small particles, smoke and some fumes. A potential lifesaver when escaping from a fire.
CARTRIDGE RESPIRATOR
PROTECTS AGAINST Chemical and biological toxins, depending on the filter used. Some models have a battery-powered fan to aid breathing.
TANK RESPIRATOR
PROTECTS AGAINST High concentrations of toxic fumes. Often used by firefighters, these units use a tank to supply air.
Most Popular »
- No Churchgoing Christmas for the First Family
- Israel vs. Hizballah: Drumbeats of War
- The Pentagon Prepares for a Missile Attack from 'Iran'
- Sherlock Holmes: Impressive Abs, Unmemorable Action
- Has the Alleged Fort Hood Gunman's Imam Been Silenced?
- How Panera Bread Defies the Recession
- China's Christmas Warning to Political Dissidents
- Why Brittany Murphy Is Worth Remembering
- Climate Change: How Fast Is the Earth Shifting?
- Obama, a Favorite Son, Will Perk Up Hawaii's Holidays
- No Churchgoing Christmas for the First Family
- How Panera Bread Defies the Recession
- China's Christmas Warning to Political Dissidents
- Mexico City's Revolutionary First: Gay Marriage
- Has the Alleged Fort Hood Gunman's Imam Been Silenced?
- Climate Change: How Fast Is the Earth Shifting?
- Sherlock Holmes: Impressive Abs, Unmemorable Action
- Obama, a Favorite Son, Will Perk Up Hawaii's Holidays
- The Importance of Economic Equality
- The Battle for Sean Goldman: The View from Brazil
Top Stories on TIME.com
Quotes of the Day »
RSS