Fox News host Jeanine Pirro calls it “insanity” to wear a mask to protect yourself from wildfire smoke

Pirro: "Democrats are pumping up climate hysteria and bringing back, you guessed it, mask insanity"

Written by Media Matters Staff

Published 06/07/23 5:35 PM EDT

Citation From the June 7, 2023, edition of Fox News' The Five

JEANINE PIRRO (CO-HOST): While Americans choke on the smoke, the far left smells an opportunity. AOC thinks this is a great time to push her Green New Deal. She says that we must, quote, "Adapt our food systems, energy grids, infrastructure, and healthcare to prepare for what's to come." Other Democrats are pumping up climate hysteria and bringing back, you guessed it, mask insanity.

The New York Times explained why high-quality masks are a must given the horrendous conditions currently enveloping New York City:

As smoke from wildfires in Canada drifts over large parts of the United States, the best thing to do to prevent breathing in pollutants on Wednesday is to stay indoors. For many people, of course, that's impossible. So if you do have to brave the outdoors, putting on a mask is the next best thing.

But beware, not all masks work equally well. A surgical mask, scarf or bandanna won't do much to keep you from breathing in pollutants.

N95 masks can filter tiny particles that are less than 0.3 micrometers. By comparison, the width of a single human hair is approximately 60 micrometers, according to California's health department.

Instead, use N95 face masks (you may still have some of those left from the pandemic), or respirator masks, which you can find in hardware stores or online. Make sure to cover both your nose and mouth.