TYPES OF FIRE GOGGLES

There are different types of particulate filters and gas and vapour cartridges.

As per AS/NZS 1715, there are 3 different particulate filters, P1, P2, and P3.

The negative pressure particulate categories are based on facepiece coverage. All particulate filtering facepieces covering the nose and mouth area can only achieve a P1 or P2 classification. A P3 classification can ONLY be achieved when worn with a full facepiece.

Class P1 particulate filters are used against mechanically generated particulates, e.g. silica and wood dust.
Class P2 particulate filters are used for protection against mechanically and thermally generated particulates or both.

P2 Respiration Mask is intended for use against bushfire smoke, metal fumes, lead, silica & coal dust, asbestos fibre, bacteria, fungi, + more. Great to keep at home or in the car in case of a bushfire.

Class P3 particulate filters are used for protection against highly toxic or highly irritant particulates, e.g. beryllium (when worn with a full facepiece).  Certain contaminants may have specific respiratory selection criteria.
Their filter type and class distinguish gas and vapour cartridges categories.  Some commonly used filter types are:
Filter type A = Certain organic vapours (boiling point above 65⁰C) from solvents such as those in paints and thinners (cartridge label colour = brown)
Filter type B = Acid gases such as chlorine, hydrogen sulphide (sulphide) and sulphur dioxide (cartridge label colour = grey)
Filter type E = Vapours from sulfur dioxide (cartridge colour = yellow)
Filter type ABE = are suitable for both certain organic vapours/acid gases and sulphur dioxide, e.g. solvents, chlorine and sulphur dioxide (cartridge label colour = brown, grey and yellow)
Filter type K = ammonia gas (cartridge label colour = green)
Filter type ABEK = are suitable for both certain organic vapours/acid gases, sulphur dioxide and ammonia (cartridge label colour = brown, grey, yellow and green)

Government Health agencies report air quality for PM2.5/PM10 levels.
SMS alerts can be organised, e.g. for asthmatics who can be breathless or wheezy or have a tight chest or persistent cough exacerbated by smoke.
So as using a reliever (for example, Ventolin), preventer medication could be used while air quality remained poor.
The anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids makes them an effective anti-asthma treatment. An example of inhaled corticosteroids is budesonide (e.g. Pulmicort);
Sometimes combined with a long-acting beta2 agonist (to help keep the airways open for up to 12 hours) such as Seretide (fluticasone plus salmeterol);
Drugs that block leukotrienes, which cause narrowing and swelling of the airways, can also improve asthma symptoms and help prevent asthma attacks, e.g. Lukair tablets.
Chrome medicines, such as sodium cromoglycate (e.g. Intal)and nedocromil sodium (e.g. Tilade), are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory asthma medications.
The higher the Air Quality Index (AQI value scaled from 0-500), the greater the level of air pollution and potential issues. This measure of fine particles in the air less than 2.5 micrometres of between 300-500+ is considered hazardous. Adverse effects include aggravation to the heart and lungs among the general public – particularly for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, those suffering from cardiac or pulmonary diseases and pregnant women.
Avoid exposure to the smoke by staying indoors where possible and not using evaporative airconditioners, which draw air into the house from outside.
If the exterior smoke and air quality are inferior, windows, doors and entry holes need to be shut to prevent smoke entry.
Air purifiers fitted with PM 2.5 particle filtering are designed to capture pollutants and particles but emitting the filtered air. Evaporative coolers can be used if the system is filtered, and air conditioners that have switches to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ can reduce the amount of smoke entering the premises. Air conditioners without controls can run in fan mode instead of cooling and need to have their filters cleaned regularly.

Asthmatics need to avoid dust mites, harsh cleaning chemicals, hairspray, smoke, non-flued gas heaters and wood-burning fires.
Eye conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis or allergic conjunctivitis are exacerbated by the burning and stinging eye pain that smoke, noxious gases, embers can cause but lubricating the eyes with the correct type of eye drops can sometimes be useful. Smoke from vegetation is composed of hundreds of chemicals in gaseous, liquid and solid forms. These include toxic gases (e.g. carbon monoxide), aldehydes, benzene, water vapour and small particles of carbon and other materials (median aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 3.5µm).
Exposure to these substances (mainly carbon monoxide and aldehydes) and gases or particles from plastics or rubbers can cause eye irritation and injury.
Common symptoms following exposure to and contact with smoke include pain, discomfort, redness, and watering of the eyes.
Other possible injuries resulting from exposure to fires and smoke include corneal abrasions, conjunctivitis burns to the eyelids, eyeball, and face.
Be careful NOT to rub your eyes which can worsen the irritation and reduce contact lens wear.
Cooling compresses over your eyes can be soothing, and try to maintain a more humid indoor environment. Specialty goggles that are often prescribed to patients with dry eyes can be an effective option for people experiencing sensitivity to smoke in the air. And close-fitting glasses or sunglasses will provide at least some barrier to particle pollution.
More specific treatment can result after careful examination.