Aaron Ansel

Puraka Pollution Mask Calculator — What mask for smoke is most effective?

2
•

How do you know what pollution mask is most effective for smoke and other harmful particulates? Puraka Clean Air Resources' Pollution Mask Calculator shows you exactly what filter (N95, N99, etc.) and "fit factor" are optimal for the current air quality.

Add a comment

Replies
Best
Aaron Ansel
For this calculator, I wanted to spread awareness that filters with higher ratings generally make your lungs work harder to draw air through filtering material, which can be dangerous for sensitive groups, especially if you have a pre-existing pulmonary or respiratory condition. Living in Seattle, I feel that this is important. In fact, less powerful filters can sometimes work just as well as more powerful types. If I can demonstrate that a N95 filter provide the same quality of clean air as a more highly rated P100 in most cases, I can help people avoid the extra strain on their lungs. As a content provider, I believe it's my responsibility to make advanced topics as accessible as possible by asking a series of simple questions and providing equally simple answers. The large number of assumptions and complex thinking required to get from point A to point B should exist behind the scenes.
AKA

I really appreciate the well-documented methodology. Nice work.

Pros:

Visual interface is really nice

Cons:

I'd prefer a solution that didn't rely on Tableau