Free N95 Face Masks Available to Rocklanders as Wildfires Rage On

Mindy Cohn
Rockland residents have been forced to become accustomed to dismal air quality in the past weeks, with no end in sight. Last week's air quality was especially bad, as reported by Rockland Daily here.
Town supervisors are here to help during this air quality alert by offering free N95 masks to residents. N95 masks can help filter out the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from Canadian wildfires, preventing it from traveling into the respiratory tract and reaching the lungs.
Ramapo residents can visit Supervisor Michael Specht's office to pick up masks from 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Clarkstown residents can visit Supervisor George Hoehmann's office to pick up masks from 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
"Air pollution from the smoke can cause adverse health events, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying respiratory conditions and heart disease," said Dr. Chitra Punjabi, Director of TB and Communicable Disease Control at the Health Department.
The Rockland County Department of Health recommends the following to help minimize health risks during the air quality alert.
- Limit outdoor activities.
- Use air purifiers or filters if available.
- Keep windows closed and minimize the opening of doors.
- If you must go outside, use an N95 respirator mask and avoid strenuous activities.
For more information on air quality, visit here.