breathing

IAQ illustration by Sam Hester. 

Image ID: what can individuals do?  Set thermostat to FAN or ON not Auto; Maximize outdoor air coming in; Monitor CO2--tells you how much air you're rebreathing from others; CO2 level goes down with more fresh air; should be below 900 parts per million; check if HVAC is working; Portable HEPA filters--no add-ons, only HEPA; open windows; exhaust air with a fan; you can also use a corsi-rosenthal box; CADR= clean air delivery rate; HEPA certification should be AHAM verified.

Information from the CDC and NIOSH explaining that N95 respirators work much better than surgical masks because they fit more closely. Do not decorate your respirator. A list of approved respirators is updated monthly at Knowits.niosh.gov under "Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators." 

Image: Black and white photo from era of 1918 pandemic: six people standing outside, all wearing masks, inset closeup detail of the family cat, also wearing a mask. 

(Cats can get COVID-19

Image: color photo of femme person wearing an elastomeric mask hand-painted in red and gold. The design takes inspiration from historical Japanese lacquerware design. The facepiece features flowing water patterns accented by red crystal embellishments. The filter covers are accented with line art of mountains with a spread of red crystals across the top, cherry blossoms. and an outer border of seigaiha waves along the curve.  


Image: Color Drawing of person wearing an N95 mask and teal clothing, looking up and to the right.  Text:  DO NO HARM: Keep Masks in Healthcare. Wearing a mask is harm reduction. Protect your community.