RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

N95 Masks for Lung Health While Golfing During Wildfire Season

During wildfire season, the air gets hazy with smoke, which can be bad for your lungs, especially if you have conditions like asthma. This study wants to find out if wearing an N95 mask can protect the lungs of people who regularly play golf (at least twice a week) during these smoky periods. We'll ask some golfers to wear the masks on days when the air pollution is moderate or high, while others won't. Over two months, we'll check how well people wear the masks and if it makes a difference to their lung health, blood pressure, and any breathing problems they might have.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Saskatchewan

Enrolment target

Start

26 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Bronchial Asthma

What is this study about?

Wildfires are becoming more common, and the smoke they produce can seriously affect our health, particularly our lungs. Many people who enjoy outdoor activities like golf might find themselves breathing in polluted air for extended periods during wildfire season. This study is designed to explore a simple way to help protect people who spend time outdoors in smoky conditions.

We're focusing on golfers because they often spend several hours outside. We want to see if wearing a special type of mask, called an N95 mask, can act as a shield for their lungs. These masks are designed to filter out tiny particles from the air, including those found in smoke. The study will look at whether consistently wearing these masks on days when the air quality isn't good can make a difference to a golfer's lung health.

Over two months, we'll keep an eye on how well people use the masks and if there are any changes in their breathing, blood pressure, or if they experience fewer coughs or shortness of breath. This information will help us understand if N95 masks are a practical and effective way to protect people's lungs during wildfire season, especially for those who want to continue their outdoor hobbies.

Key takeaways

The study explores if N95 masks protect golfers' lungs from wildfire smoke.
It lasts for two months during wildfire season.
Participants will be adult golfers playing at least twice a week.
Lung health, blood pressure, and breathing symptoms will be monitored.
Your participation could help understand better ways to protect people from smoke pollution.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult who plays golf regularly, meaning at least two times a week. We are looking for people aged 18 and over.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you smoke, you won't be able to take part in this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you play golf at least twice a week?
Are you a non-smoker?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be one of 40 regular golfers in the study. We'll randomly put you into one of two groups: one group will be given N95 masks and asked to wear them, while the other group will not use masks. Everyone in the study will be given advice on how to stay safe outdoors based on the air quality.

If you're in the mask group, you'll be asked to wear your N95 mask on days you play golf when the air pollution is at a medium level or higher. Over two months, we'll keep track of how often you wear the mask. We'll also check your lung function (how well your lungs work), your blood pressure, and any breathing problems you might have at different points during those two months. This will involve regular check-ups to measure these things.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by helping you protect your lungs from wildfire smoke, especially if you are in the group wearing the N95 masks. There are no significant risks expected from wearing N95 masks for short periods during outdoor activities, but some people might find them a little uncomfortable to wear. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Saskatchewan
Verified postcode
Saskatoon, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an N95 mask?

An N95 mask is a type of breathing mask designed to filter out at least 95% of very small particles from the air, including smoke particles.

Why are you studying golfers?

Golfers often spend several hours outdoors, making them a good group to study to see how outdoor activity during smoky conditions affects lung health and if masks can help.

What does 'moderate to high air pollution' mean?

This refers to days when the Air Quality Health Index shows that the air quality is not good for breathing, meaning there's more pollution in the air than usual.

Will I know if I'm in the mask group?

Yes, you will know if you are asked to wear the N95 masks or if you are in the group not wearing masks.

How long will the study last if I join?

Your participation in the study will last for two months.

How to find out more

Philip Chilibeck, PhD

phil.chilibeck@usask.ca 3062303849 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.