Pollution increased in Delhi.
Air pollution in Delhi and NCR has once again reached dangerous levels. After which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday evening. Due to pollution, there is a burning smell in the air, slight irritation in the eyes and heaviness is felt while breathing. In such a situation, people are leaving the house wearing masks.
Now the question in people's mind is that which mask is best for pollution because the wrong mask hardly makes any difference. A well-designed mask can reduce the amount of particulate matter you inhale and help protect your lungs in the long run.
Before choosing the best mask to protect against pollution, it is important to know what really matters. The first and most important feature is the ability to filter. A good mask should have the ability to filter fine particles like PM2.5, which are small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream. The second feature is the seal. Even a mask with high filter capacity becomes ineffective if air comes in from the edges.
Comfort also plays an important role in this. If a mask is breathable and fits comfortably on your face, you are more likely to wear it regularly. Adjustable straps, strong nose clip and multi-layer non-woven material improve both comfort and safety.
Different masks provide different levels of protection. This matters a lot while choosing the best mask for pollution. Cloth masks may look stylish, but they generally do not filter out the fine particles present in urban pollution. They are useful for dust, but not for serious air quality problems. Surgical masks provide a little more protection, but are still loose on the face.
Due to air leakage from the edges, their ability to provide protection against PM2.5 is reduced. Respirators like N95, KN95 and FFP2 are considered the most reliable because they provide high filtration as well as fit well on the face. When worn properly, these masks can block up to 95 percent of fine particles.
People who spend time on busy roads or use public transportation benefit most from an N95 or FFP2 respirator. These provide strong protection from traffic related particles. People with respiratory problems – asthma, allergies or sinus sensitivity – often get immediate relief when using a higher-grade mask like an N99. These capture even smaller particles. Additionally, masks with better breathability, such as FFP2 masks, work well because they balance airflow.
Ideal for office goers, reusable N95 masks with replaceable filters are comfortable, affordable and easy to maintain. These examples show how circumstances determine which mask is best for the pollution present in your daily life. Both fitting and use are important for pollution masks. Even the best mask loses its effectiveness when worn incorrectly.
When choosing the best mask for pollution, remember that the perfect seal is just as important as the filter. Press the nose clip firmly, check the gap near the cheeks and ensure the mask covers both the nose and chin. If your glasses fog up, it is a sign of a leak. Regular maintenance is important for reusable masks. Wash only the outer cloth if necessary and replace the filter as directed.
Disposable respirators should be replaced when they become wet or lose their shape. Keeping the masks in a clean pouch maintains their shape. This regularity ensures continued protection, reduces risk and extends the life span of both reusable and disposable masks.
If you can't decide which mask is best for pollution, here are some general guidelines that generally work.
However, everyone needs to wear masks to protect themselves from increasing pollution. However, people who have respiratory disease must wear a mask. Wear a mask while going out and try to ensure that the mask is of good quality and do not wear the same mask for several days.
