Smoke Hood Safety Questioned

The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM) has raised some serious concerns about a consumer fire safety product being sold under the name: Smoke Escape Emergency Respirator Mask.  The mask is advertised as assisting people escaping fires by protecting their vision and filtering out harmful particulates.   OFM says the mask falls far short in providing protection from the smoke, heat and toxic gases produced by a fire.

Among other concerns the Ontario Fire Marshall points out the device does not meet any recognized safety standard, the hood material melts - even catches fire - at low temperatures and gives users a false sense of security.  Ontario Fire Marshall Bernie Moyle is hoping to open discussions with the manufacture to address his concerns.

The Smoke Escape Emergency Respirator Mask is carried by several national department store and pharmacy chains.