Protective Clothing and Equipment 551
Howbtconbmxnackbe a cloth and activated charcoal mask
This homemade mask was designed by Dr. Maramba of the Philippines. It will give
some protection from chemicals and dust.
➊ Cut one cup from a padded
cloth bra.
➋ Remove padding from the bra cup.
➌ Cut some filter paper to make a pouch for a
new pad that will fit inside the bra. Fill the
filter paper pad with 100 grams of activated
charcoal, making sure a layer of charcoal fills
the entire filter evenly rather than
settling to the bottom. Seal the
paper so it will not spill, and
place it inside the bra where
the bra pad was.
➍ Fit the bra cup with elastic straps to hold it
tightly to your face.
The filter should be aired out between
uses. If used while spraying the most toxic
chemicals, this mask is good only for 2 uses of
4 hours each. The charcoal must be replaced within 1 week, depending
on the type of chemical exposure and how long it is worn.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012