Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PigeonFart]

How often can you re-use those cheap Yellow Sand facemasks?

....(the ones that you can get for 1,000 won in most convenience stores)


I've used mine on a few occasions over the last few weeks. Is there a certain exposure limit? When do you throw yours out? I saw something on the news tonight about facemasks but i couldn't understand it (Korean news)...it showed scientists playing around with different masks. I would have loved to have known what they were on about.

[nobbyken]

I think the fabric ones accumulate dust.
The paper ones are cleaner for multiple use.
I've no qualms about re-using the paper ones for a few weeks, if they are holding up OK.

The fabric ones are like putting a dust-covered hankerchief under my nose!

[sojukettle]

You're missing the point of using the mask;
the fabric one fills up with dust - that is what it is supposed to do.It captures the dust that otherwise would enter your lungs.

The paper one, which you use for a longer period because it doesn't seem to be full of dust is simply of no use whatsover. It gives a placebo effect, in that you are wearing 'a mask'.

Truth is that the fabric ones are not much better, these masks are for dust / sawdust size type of particles.

Only a true micro-particle filter will really do any good to filter out the dangerous 'dust' in the air. These are expensive and would need the filters changed (depending on the dust concentration) probably after every 8 - 12 hours of use.

[nobbyken]

I think less particles get to your airwaves with a paper mask.
The paper is not so penetrable as the fabric ones.

My experience:
I have a sensitive nose, and our last home was quite dusty.
When changing clothes and bedclothes, or vacuuming I would wear a mask to avoid a sneezing fit. Fabric ones were OK when worn for the first few times, but soon they would make me feel worse. I think that due to accumulation, I was inhaling more dust up my nose than I was without it.

I tried about 6 different types of mask, the paper ones worked perfectly and no dust came in contact with my nasal protrusion.
I suspect that this is because the paper doesn't allow dust to settle within the mask, as it cannot penetrate as easy.

[CeleryMan]

I only use commercial grade 3M filters; stuff painters use. It comes equipped with a very sophisticated filtration system with vents. The looks like I get around town are PRICELESS!!

The whole mask thing will turn into a fashion accessory, YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

[poet13]

Pic please.

[bgreenster]

1) I had a really bad blonde moment and honestly thought you were talking about the face masks that you use as facials. I was so confused/grossed out that people would re-use them... until a few posts later when it dawned on me that I was stupid.

2) I have been tempted to start wearing a mask, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Even with the knowledge that I am dying a slow, lung-debilitating death. To those that do use them: does it really help much?

[nobbyken]

[haute 4 teacher]

Unless you have asthma or severe allergies there is absolutely zero need for a mask.

The paper and cloth ones don't really do dick for the small particles. Most of these particles are smaller than viruses, which can also pass through the paper and cloth masks. The one celery is talking about is the only one that would really keep the particles from your lungs.

Every time I see a foreigner in a mask I laugh because it is ridiculous. Koreans don't know any better. After all, everything is fixed with the shot in the butt and 20 random pills.

Sorry to judge, but it looks really, really dumb. And the build up of bacteria from your moist breath is probably worse than whatever you might have inhaled.

And it looks dumb. Really, really dumb.

[PigeonFart]

I can't really accept that Koreans would be fooled into believing that masks are effective against Yellow Sand if they're actually not.

Surely in Korea, they have product quality standards that must be met by Medical Authorities. Fabric Masks must provide some protection at least.... So i'll continue to wear mine, although maybe it's time for a new one at least.

[Scotticus]

[elliemk]

The U.S. Army has a site about yellow dust. It has the forecast and current conditions as well as an information card. The card says nothing about wearing a mask.

Here's the site:

http://www.seoul.amedd.army.mil/sites/yellowsand/default.asp

Here's the information card pdf link:

http://www.seoul.amedd.army.mil/sites/yellowsand/Info_Card.pdf

Hope this information is of some use to you.

[nobbyken]

When I first arrived in Korea, I was amazed to see so many masks.
I had never seen any in the UK outside of a hospital.

My (now) wife said it was also to stop passing on their cold germs to people around them.

They are a great help to keep the air moist and warm, around your mouth and nose.

At an ear/nose/throat hospital (이비인후과) the doctor was wearing a simple blue paper one. Once I tried that type, I never touched the fabric ones again.

Haven't seen much yellow-sand in Yongin?

[CeleryMan]