In response to the noxious smoke pollution currently affecting much of the Northeast, many Americans are choosing to wear their old COVID-19 masks.

But government agencies warn that most of these masks cannot filter “wildfire smoke,” saying only N95 and other masks can keep smoke out.

CDC’s guidelines Most of these masks, including “dust masks” and “surgical masks,” say they’re not good enough to protect children from smoke, but the EPA says release “Cloths (whether wet or dry), paper masks, and tissues cannot filter wildfire smoke,” it clearly advises. N95 masks are suitable for protecting adults from smoke, but “N95 masks may not protect children because they are not made for children,” the CDC said. Those potentially at risk include children under the age of 18, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. Around CDC. (Related: Air quality warning issued as smoke from Canada’s wildfires blankets east coast

Today’s Cover: New York Air Quality is Worst Since the 1980s — Worse Than Since 9/11 https://t.co/9u0iqGIvy9 pic.twitter.com/jad1mVnF9i

— New York Post (@nypost) June 8, 2023

bloomberg report On Thursday, health experts said exposure to wildfire smoke could also increase your chances of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Most people don’t have to worry about smoke contamination, but those who are at risk should consider using an N95 mask. report.