Summer and spring are indeed wonderful with flowers blooming and trees with their full leaves. However, it is also a time when the grass in your lawn requires frequent attention.
Some people like me love the smell of freshly cut grass, however, for some, it becomes a nightmare. There is uncontrollable sneezing with eyes that are itchy and swollen while cutting grass.
It is advisable to wear masks while cutting grass as it will protect you from allergies and other particles. Even though you don’t suffer from allergies, the things present in grass like small insects, leaves, fungus, pollen, pesticides, etc will be present in the air, therefore you require masks to shield your nose and mouth.
Not only face masks, but wearing proper face shields that cover your eyes along with other PPEs like protective gloves and shoes will reduce the harm if you suffer from grass allergies.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of wearing masks, the risks you incur if you don’t wear masks and what other possible things you can do to minimize allergies while cutting grass.
What happens if you decide not to wear masks while cutting grass?
1.) They might worsen your allergies- Yes, if you already have allergies from grass or pollen, not using a mask will make you suffer more. Allergies can range from minor rashes to massive face swelling and even asthma. Masks can help to lower the severity of these symptoms.
2.) You might inhale harmful pesticides- Pesticides and growth hormones are used in grass to keep them looking fresh and green. And when you’re cutting them, there are chances of them mixing in the air and entering through your mouth or nose.
3.) Shield your mouth and nose from other small particles- Your mask will act as a barrier against those small particles which are invisible to the naked eye.
And what are the benefits of using masks while cutting grass?
1.) They have filtering properties- Wearing a mask will ensure no harmful gas or small particles will enter your mouth and nose. Wearing a mask when cutting grass or working in your garden is essential for people who suffer from allergies, hay fever, or even asthma.
2.) Helps minimize grass/pollen allergies- If you’re someone who suffers from allergies then wearing a mask will offer protection against the allergens.
Grass and other seasonal allergens include itchy and watery eyes, congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. According to research, wearing a dust mask can help limit your exposure to airborne allergens.
3.) Will not let dust and debris enter your mouth- Even though you don’t suffer from grass allergies, wearing a mask is still advisable as there is lots of dust and debris outdoors mixed with air which might enter your mouth.
4.) Keeps you safe from pesticides- In order to keep the grass looking fresh and green there are pesticides used on them. And while cutting grass, these harmful chemicals can enter through your mouth and that is why you require a mask.
Even if you’re not doing any activity, just wondering about the yard will expose you to a variety of grass and plant spores, especially in the spring.
Also, if your neighbor’s grass is being sprayed with fertilisers and pesticides, you must wear the mask if you are in the vicinity to avoid any allergic symptoms.
5.) They act as a barrier- Your masks act as a barrier against those small pieces of dry grass, twigs from your face. Masks continue to be one of the most efficient ways to prevent pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses without changing your usual lawn maintenance routine.
As we have discussed above, apart from just wearing masks, there are other PPEs you can use while cutting grass which is beneficial for you.
Let’s find out what those are.
1.) Face shield- Not only your mouth and nose require protection. Face shield protects your whole face making sure you have all round safety. They also protect your eyes from small particles and pieces of grass that might cause irritation while working.
2.) Protective gloves- Cutting grass will require you to use sharp tools, therefore, using gloves can protect your hands from harm and also from those nasty insect bite while cutting grass.
3.) Proper shoes- You need pepper footwear to protect your feet against insect bites and rashes caused by cutting grass. Grass are usually wet, therefore, shoes that are waterproof is ideal.
Recommended masks while cutting grass
1.) 3M 8511 mask
These masks are intended to keep you safe from non-harmful particles like dust and debris. They’re inexpensive, comfy, and disposable. They won’t shield you from hazardous fumes or dangerous chemicals, but they can help you relax while you’re cutting the grass.
Check it out here-
- Niosh approved N95 for at least 95% filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles and aerosols
- 3M cool flow valve helps reduce heat buildup inside the respirator
- Breathe 30% easier compared to 3M 8200, breathe easier is defined as an initial pressure drop
- Adjustable M noseclip helps ensure a custom, secure seal with fewer pressure points
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2.) Jewtme Dust Masks
This light air-mask is pleasant, breathable, and suitable and is constructed of nylon, which has great breathability.
Unlike disposable masks, which can only be used once, this mask is reusable and can be washed and cleaned as dirt builds.
Check it out here-
- Lightweight: the light air-mask is comfortable, breathable and good for use in hot climates, the dust-mask is made of nylon that offers excellent permeability
- Unlike those disposable masks that can only be used one time, you can wash and clean reusable mask once it accumulates dirt.
- Hanging ear design Elastic strap: high elastic straps and the auditory cord fit better to the face
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3.) AstroAI Face Mask
This breathable face mask acts as a shield against all those harmful dust particles and toxic fumes. It is reusable and ideal while cutting grass.
Check it out here-
- COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION: 4-layer filter can remove non-oil particles in air including dust, and other non-oil based particles. Ideal for Running, Cycling, and other Outdoor Activities
- EASIER BREATHING: One-way discharge valves allow breathe out; The increased ventilation lets heat and moisture escape, preventing eyeglasses from fogging
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: This dustproof mask is made of premium Nylon, allowing breathe smoothly; Activated Carbon Filters protect you from dust pollution
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4.) Axsyon Dust Mask
This soft, quick-drying mask is stretchable, heat-retaining, weather-resistant, and fire-resistant. They’re reliable and reusable.
Check it out here-
- Unique Axsyon Exclusive Polynesian Art - our incredibly talented artist from the remote Polynesian island kingdom of Pacific Islander created this original tribal design using thousand-year-old traditional tattoo art infused with his own modern twist.
- Warm Winter Material – this soft quick-drying neoprene mask is elastic, retains heat, is weather-resistant and fireproof. Axsyons reusable, washable mask does not tear and is solvent and oil resistant.
- Activated Carbon Filters- 6 replaceable filters that effectively block 98% of particles in the air- Keep healthy. Prevent the inhalation of dust, pollutants, pollen, etc. Stop breathing in junk! Keep your lungs clean!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Here is just additional information for you.
FAQs-
1.) In case of grass, dust or pollen allergies, what can you do?
Most grass pollen is present in the air when you may trim the grasses in your garden, especially during spring and summers. Grass pollen is known to induce a range of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, red eyes, cough, chest congestion, difficulty in breathing, and so on.
One of the reasons grass allergy is so frequent is that grass pollen is dispersed by the wind. However, by taking measures, the risk of severe allergies induced by grass can be avoided. Wearing a dust mask when cutting the grass might help protect you from various allergies.
2.) How does grass allergy affect you?
The very common symptoms of grass allergies are:
Acute headache- Cutting grass may cause allergies that can cause nasal inflammation and congestion, which can result in headaches.
Discomfort in the throat- When you breathe the allergens in the air, such as pollen, they might irritate your throat. If you breathe via your mouth due to a congested nose, especially when sleeping, the air flow may dry up and affect your throat.
Because of the amount of grass and other pollen that is released into the air after mowing the lawn, many people suffer an increase in grass allergy symptoms such as a sore throat.
Sleeping problems- It’s difficult to get a decent night’s sleep when you’re sneezing, coughing, suffering from migraines, or have a runny nose.
Congestion makes it harder to breathe at night, forcing you to wake up early or struggle to fall asleep in the first place. This can also limit the quantity of oxygen delivered to your body, affecting both mental and physical function.
To conclude, there is no question that wearing a dust mask when cutting grass can help people avoid allergies or minimize the effect of it. We can understand the importance of a mask since the covid19 pandemic hit the world.
Therefore, understanding the cause of your problem and then acting on it is definitely a smart choice.
