Over the last few years, air pollution in India has become a major concern. As a Delhi resident, I am also worried about increasing level of air pollution around my surrounding. As per studies, the component of pollution, more harmful to health is usually worst in the winter. And we all know that winter is about to knock our doors. Recent news has also declared that Diwali holidays brought lots of air pollution from the celebratory fireworks. But the question is what can we do?
As a mother, I want to keep my son safe from this poor quality air with doing what best I can do. And after reading lots of stuff I found out that pollution mask can provide protection from the harmful effect of breathing in the bad air of Delhi. Pollution Face masks that filter out airborne particles can make a big difference in our exposure to air pollution. A mask with a high-quality filter that fits properly can be an effective measure against the inhalation of harmful pollutant particles as small as PM 2.5. “PM” here stands for Particulate matter level and PM 2.5 means particles smaller than 2.5 microns, about 25 to 100 times thinner than a human hair.
These are some of the face masks that we can buy in India as a prevention option:
1. Common N95 and N99 masks: These are most common and cheapest types of masks that are available in the market in most of the medical stores. With the rise of swine flu cases, their demand increased and now they are easily available. But as per my study, they are not much effective. These masks are relatively useful in dusty areas and moderate pollution but they do nothing to protect us from PM 2.5.
2. Dettol Air Protect Mask: These masks are Ideal for bike riders and commuters who face the city pollution every day. The company claims that it protects from PM 2.5, bacteria, dust and even pollen. It has four layers of protection and comes with two filters which can be changed. These masks are available in many of the online shopping websites for a discounted price. For more details, its website can be visited.
3. Vogmask: Need fashionable mask? Then this could be your choice. The company sells fashionable reusable masks in adult and children’s sizes. It comes with a carbon filter layer and exhalation valve, which can make it easier to breathe and not collect moisture or sweat. As per their website, this mask provides superior protection from PM 2.5 particles, dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. These are also available in few online websites. Remember Amitabh Bachchan wearing it in movie PINK?
4. Totobobo Mask : The masks come with disposable filter inserts that need to be replaced. The company says Totobobo Mask with F94 filters is sufficient to cut down most of the PM2.5 particles. Totobobo masks have a filter life check which makes it easy to know when the filter needs to be replaced. This is one great option for buying mask but it’s not widely available. Only a few online websites sell it and for ordering it, one has to read their India blogs to contact the concerned person.
5. Cambridge Mask: The brand says these masks are Ideal for cyclists, people who are at risk of respiratory disease or anyone living in urban environments with high air pollution levels. As per its website, these masks are made of three layers of filters, including a military-grade carbon filter, and are NIOSH N99 certified. The website also says its masks filter out 99.6% of viruses and 99.7% of bacteria. Cambridge pollution masks also come in five different sizes and are suitable adults and children. This is the most expensive and the best mask available (not easily) in India as of now.
It is found that Delhi residents appear to take fewer anti-pollution precautions when they are outdoors. So now is the time to start thinking about buying a good quality mask for your loved ones. For best effects, we need to remember few important things. We need to wear face masks without hesitation, it has to fit right (there should be no gaps to allow outside air in), and it has to have the right type of filter and fabric to be effective.
Note: Above explanation is based on my study of web material available. I don’t claim the quality of any of these pollution masks.
Thank you for sharing nice information. Air pollution causes 3,000 premature deaths in Delhi every year. We cannot control the pollution in the city we live in, but we can protect ourselves.
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Thank you Vishal for reading this blog. Although it's quite old.
DeleteThank you for sharing nice information about air filter. it's very useful to protects from the harmful effects of tiny suspended particles. Keep it up sharing.
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