Sacramento stops giving out masks

Sacramento fire stations no longer will distribute masks to the public after safety concerns were raised by the county, officials said.

About 67,000 free N95 respirators have been distributed at fire stations across the region. The city said Thursday the program “is nearing its conclusion” because it can’t get more masks from the California Office of Emergency Services or the state Department of Public Health.

City staff will continue distributing masks while supplies last. Sacramento County said in its earlier statement the masks are recommended only for those who don’t have the choice to be indoors or have access to filtered air.

“N95 respirators use by those with heart and respiratory diseases can be dangerous and should only be done under a doctor’s supervision,” the statement said.

The county warned that the mask could make it more difficult to breathe because of carbon dioxide buildup.

“There could be a real false sense of security if somebody puts one on and they’re not wearing them properly,” David T. Dyjack, a certified industrial hygienist who leads the National Environmental Health Association, told the Sacramento Bee on Thursday. That includes, for example, bearded men.

The decision comes even after Cal OES recommended the masks earlier this week. The Office of Emergency Services said the masks are the same ones worn by firefighters and healthcare workers and can protect lungs from harmful particles in wildfire smoke, so wearers can “breathe easy.”