Which anti pollution mask to buy?

With pollution unlikely to disappear any time soon, making anti-pollution masks a part of your daily life is now a reality. The question is ‘Can people benefit from masks that filter out dangerous pollutants in the air?’

How does pollution affect people?

Out of many pollutants in the air PM2.5 (Particulate matter PM 2.5) are considered to be the most dangerous. These are tiny particles, of size 2.5 micrometers. A human hair is 70 micrometer this makes PM 2.5 30 times smaller than Human hair. A normal human body has its own protection system, in form of nose and nasal hair. This natural system is ill equipped to help us stay protected from tiny air pollutants PM2.5. Short term health problems as a result of taking in particulates include nose, throat and chest infection, coughing, sneezing, having a runny nose and being short of breath. Experts have said that long term exposure to PM 2.5 results in asthma, affects lung function and causes heart diseases. Masks with filtration capacities of PM2.5 will help filter out most pollutants.  

Surgical masks, face masks?

Surgical masks, face masks are easily available, cheap and can be reused and hence are a favourite for many people.  Surgical mask is intended to prevent the release of potential contaminants from the user into their immediate environment. It is also used to protect the wearer from large droplets, sprays and splashes of bodily fluids. So as we can see that surgical masks are not meant for protection from air pollution. They cannot provide protection from PM2.5 particles. Although surgical masks are very cheap, ranging from Rs. 10-100 Surgical masks. They are very loosely fitted on the face making level of protection they provide from Pollution debatable

N95 Masks.

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceeds those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not eliminate the risk pollutants going in. Users experience breathing resistance while using N95 masks. As most N95 masks available in the market are made by multi filter technology. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is a USA Govt body responsible providing N95 certification for efficient face fit. These mask generally start from Rs.300. These masks are not recommended to use after 1-2 days because of increasing carbon content in the mask due to exhaling of air. These half-masks increase inhalation resistance. The longer they are used, the more difficult it is to breathe due to absorbed dusts. Furthermore, their effectiveness is reduced accordingly to the growth of carbon dioxide and water vapor between the half-mask bowl and face (so-called dead zone). The carbon dioxide concentration within the dead zone increases after every exhalation. The masks should be therefore often changed.

Nasofilters

For all practical purpose Nasofilters are the best anti-pollution masks available in the market today. Nasofilters are made from (under patent) Nanotechnology. Nasofilters fit on to the nose and filter over 90% PM 2.5 particles and have no breathing resistance. A user can comfortably wear Nasofilters, exercise and play using Nasofilters. A Nasofilters can be used for up to 12 Hours and are available in three different sizes to fit all nose sizes. Nasofilters offer practical solution to today’s Pollution. Nasofilters are made by a Team from IIT- Delhi. The team has been awarded many awards for the new technology and a patent has been filled for this discovery. Nasofilters filter out PM10 particles with 95% efficiency and cost only Rs per Nasofilters. Nasofilters are best Nasal Filters and better and practical than any other anti-pollution masks. As compared to other masks Nasofilters are very convenient to carry, very lightweight and invisible too. Get more information on Nasofilters here (product page) Check a detailed Comparison between different pollution masks here