Should You Use a Mask in the Garden? by Pat Kirk

                                                    

                 The Many Reasons and Uses for Masks - 
                           Coronavirus and in the Garden

As the summer advances, all of us in the Master Gardener Program want you to stay healthy by wearing masks on the street and in the garden. Masking up helps limit the spread of the COVID-19 disease and is now required in public spaces in Colorado. But what are the reasons and uses of masks in the garden?

By following these guidelines below, the risk can be minimized, and the full benefits of gardening enjoyed. Caution needs to be taken by older gardeners, those with low immunity or chronic illness and smokers. Keep in mind that persons with heart conditions or breathing issues (asthma or other lung issues) should consult a physician. 

1.    Minimize the amount of dust when working in the garden. Protect lungs and nasal passages by wearing a dust mask or N95 filtering face-piece mask when handling caustic or finely powdered materials. 

These include:

·      Hydrated and burnt lime, perlite, vermiculite, peat moss and compost;

·      Bone meal, fresh manure, diatomaceous soil, and mulch.

After applying these materials, water-in using a gentle spray to avoid inhaling dust. Read all warnings on bags of mulch, compost, diatomaceous soil and potting mix. Open bags of these materials slowly and away from the face. Make sure the working area (greenhouse, potting shed) is well ventilated.

 Gardener’s with home compost systems should wear a N95 filtering face-piece mask when harvesting, drying and screen sifting organic materials. The CDC warns that the inhalation of organic dust and molds contaminated with microbes has been recognized as a hazard for persons who work with decomposing vegetable matter.  

2.    Pesticide precautions to prevent exposure to chemicals.  Because of COVID-19, there has been a lot of material developed regarding the use of air-purifying respirators and N95 filtering face-piece masks.

·      If applying pesticides, ALWAYS read the label to see if it requires a respirator. The label is a legally enforceable document intended to mitigate the use of the pesticide for the applicator, others and the environment.

·      Most pesticides for homeowner use will not require the use of a respirator but the homeowner may choose to wear one. Respirators do inhibit the intake of air to some extent so that persons with heart conditions or breathing issues (asthma or other lung issues) probably shouldn't be applying pesticides OR wearing a respirator. Always consult a physician.

·      To provide better protection from particulates, rather than wearing a 'dust mask', use a N95 filtering face-piece mask.

Note: A respirator is a personal protective device that is worn on the face, covers at least the nose and mouth, and is used to reduce the wearer’s risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles (including dust particles and infectious agents), and/or gases or vapors. National Pesticide Safety Education Center

Remember to safely enjoy the benefits of gardening by using your mask wisely. If you stay healthy and strong, your garden will also be healthy and beautiful.

   Gardening Safely

Additional links:  Fertilizer, CDC, Respirators