It is very crucial to choose the right anti-pollution masks which is fit for its specific purpose. Each mask has various advantages as per its specifications. To find the best available mask, take a close look at its specifications. However, it can be very difficult to choose the right mask. And so, to make your life easier for finding the perfect anti-pollution mask, we will provide you with a guide about the deeper technicalities of anti-pollution masks. We want to help you find the best suited mask for you.
Why do you need an anti-pollution facemasks?
As per the latest study by WHO1, Non communicable Diseases (‘NCD’) are the reason for nearly two thirds of the 12.6 million deaths caused by the environment each year.NCD’s are ranging from ischaemic heart disease (IHD), heart stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to lung cancer. In 2012, 2.8 and 3.7 million NCD deaths were caused by ambient/outdoor and house hold pollution, respectively. These numbers do not include the people who fall sick due to air pollution related NCD’s and require lifelong treatment.
Particularly during festivals of lights with fireworks being used, the levels of particulate matter (‘PM 2.5’) makes it almost unbearable for asthmatic and allergic people.Breathing become seven hazardous for healthy individuals. Suspended matter is an evil connection of chemicals and can contain iron, dust, cadmium, manganese, sulfur, arsen, aluminum, cobalt, mainly due to the sparkles and colours being added to the fire crackers which in turn blow up in fumes and spread across the city. Therefore it is very harmful and can affect your body in even greater amounts.
Which type of mask is the right choice for you?
Now, various types of anti-pollution masks are helping to protect the wearer from different types of pollutants, mainly referring to PM 2.5, or also called suspended particulate matter.
When it comes to categorizing the masks types, these are of different types:
1. Simple flat masks also called surgical masks that are worn by hospital staff
o Minimal protection against PM 2.5
o Good protection against infecting other people with sickness
2. More sophisticated (dust) particulate masks known as respirator masks
o Excellent protection against PM 2.5
o Very good protection against infecting other people with bacteria/viruses
3. Gas masks or respirators
o Also protect against (chemical) gases
o Excellent protection against PM 2.5
o Excellent protection against infecting other people with bacteria/viruses
Now each of the above mentioned mask types have their own application. When you ask about the best and right anti pollution masks, watch out for the specifications and your wallet.
Consider all the points mentioned earlier and you will get what you need to properly and effectively protect yourself from the harmful particulate matters which are one of the main causes for respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
What to look for in an anti-pollution facemasks?
Surgical masks act as a very simple filter against suspended particulate matter; they are generally used by doctors in hospitals from exhaling harmful bacteria, in order not to infect patients; these masks provide little to no protection against PM 2.5.
Respirator masks are the perfect solution for the daily commuter, jogger, traveller, construction worker, traffic policemen, or anyone who is spending time outside. They provide ample protection against PM 2.5. However, Gas masks provide the best protection against PM 2.5 as well as chemicals but are generally only used in professional environments; and they wouldn’t be particularly comfortable to wear outside on the streets.
Follow the fitting instructions on the packaging closely. It’s advisable to get anti-pollution masks with adjustable ear loops and nose bridge bars. These features support a proper fitting for various ages and for different sizes and forms of faces.
Make also sure that the mask has a replaceable N95 PM 2.5 filter! Your mask will last longer and you can check if the filter is still working properly. Masks without exchangeable filters need to disposed as soon as the filter is polluted; but even that is a difficult.
Check if the filter has a proper certification from an internationally recognised institution for N95 (95% of particles filtered) or N99 (99% of particles filtered), respectively. If there is no certification listed for the product, do not spend your money for this mask. They are not worth the money.
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