What is the main disadvantage of dust masks?

Dust masks are designed to provide a basic level of protection against airborne particulates, but one of their main disadvantages is that they can leak. This leakage occurs because the fit of dust masks is often not as secure as that of more advanced respiratory protective equipment, such as N95 respirators or full respirators. If a dust mask does not create a proper seal around the face, air can bypass the filter material and allow harmful dust and particulates to enter the mask, reducing its effectiveness.

In contrast, while some may find dust masks uncomfortable or bulky, these features do not fundamentally compromise their performance in the same manner that leakage does. Issues related to breathability are generally not significant for individuals using dust masks compared to high-level protection options, as they are designed primarily for light tasks and are often easier to wear for shorter periods. Therefore, the potential for leakage poses a more critical risk to safety than discomfort or bulkiness.