Delhi Air Pollution: Is Your Mask Really Helping? Here’s How To Choose The Best One (Image Credits: iStock)
Delhi air pollution has taken a toll on everyone residing in or near Delhi-NCR’s mental and physical health. This sudden and hazardous decline in air quality leads to health risks, including respiratory problems, heart diseases, and in severe cases, premature death. As the winter season sets in, air pollution may worsen due to smog. This increase in pollution levels raises concerns, particularly for people with outdoor exercise routines like morning walks. Hence, we often opt for masks as a precautionary measure to keep ourselves safe from pollution. But are they really safe? As air quality worsens, it's important to know which type of mask will provide you with the best protection.
Here we have listed commonly available masks and how you can select the one that suits your needs:
1. Surgical Masks
- What They Are: Lightweight, disposable masks primarily designed for medical use.
Protection Level: It offers basic protection against large respiratory droplets but limited efficacy against fine particles like PM2.5 or PM10.
- Best For: Short-term indoor use or low-pollution environments.
2. N95 Masks
- What They Are: High-efficiency masks that filter out 95% of airborne particles, including PM2.5, bacteria, and viruses.
- Protection Level: Ideal for severe AQI levels and urban pollution.
- Best For: People living in areas with high AQI (above 200) and for daily outdoor activities.
3. N99 Masks
- What They Are: Advanced masks that filter out 99 per cent of airborne pollutants.
- Protection Level: Superior protection compared to N95 masks.
- Best For: High-risk individuals, such as those with respiratory issues or prolonged outdoor exposure.
4. Activated Carbon Masks
- What They Are: Masks with an additional activated carbon filter layer to neutralize harmful gasses like VOCs and odours.
- Protection Level: Provides enhanced protection against both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.
- Best For: Urban commuters and those exposed to industrial emissions.
5. Reusable Masks with Replaceable Filters
- What They Are: Eco-friendly masks equipped with replaceable PM2.5 or HEPA filters.
- Protection Level: Offers good filtration while reducing waste.
- Best For: Long-term use with proper filter replacements.
6. Cloth Masks
- What They Are: Made of fabric, these are washable and reusable.
- Protection Level: Minimal; insufficient against fine particles unless combined with a certified filter.
- Best For: Low-pollution settings or as an additional layer over certified masks.
How to Choose the Right Mask
- For High Pollution (AQI 200+): Use N95, N99, or activated carbon masks.
- For Extended Use: Opt for reusable masks with replaceable filters.
- For Budget-Friendly Options: Surgical masks, but only in moderately polluted areas.
- For Specific Needs: Activated carbon masks if odours and gasses are a concern.
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