The air quality in the National Capital Region has reached alarming levels with data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) showing the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘severe’ category. as we know, air pollution It is associated with a number of health risks, including cancer, premature death and heart problems. in an earlier conversation with indianexpress.comDr M S Kanwar, Senior Consultant, Department of Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi said, “The size of the particles is directly linked to their potential to cause health problems. Fine particulates (PM2.5) pose the greatest risk to health, as they can go deep into the lungs And also in the bloodstream.”
As such, he advised wearing masks regularly. But, which mask is best suited for fighting air pollution,
Air pollution remains in ‘severe’ category (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)
According to experts, FFP1 masks, n95 mask, and cartridges are considered the most effective. “FFP1 masks, or N95 masks, are known to be clinically most effective, and can effectively limit the inhalation of suspended pollutants in the air. In Delhi NCR, pollution levels have become alarmingly high, leaving citizens gasping for air,” said Dr Rajkumar, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indian Spinal Injury Centre.
He said that for those who regularly come into contact with dangerous pollutionWith a 95 percent filtration rate, FFP1 masks can be a wise investment. “If not, wearing an N95 mask can provide good protection,” Dr Rajkumar said.
Agreed, Dr Sudarshan KS, Consultant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore said, “N95 and cartridge masks can be used to protect against air pollution.” He told how cloth, N95 and cartridges mask Celebration. “The cloth mask is a breathable fabric covering the nose and mouth, it protects against any particulates and solids and is washable and reusable,” he said. However, cloth masks do not play a significant role in preventing adverse health effects due to air pollution.
A standard N95 mask, on the other hand, filters out 95 percent of harmful PM2.5 substances and other pollutionThe expert said, N95 masks are for single use as “repeated use after sterilization reduces the efficacy of the mask”.
Dr. Sudarshan said that “cartridges are more efficient filters that are used in industrial areas and firefighters to protect against harmful gases. They are reusable”.
Dr Ravindra Mehta, Senior Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore also said that N95 masks are most effective as they filter out PM2.5 specific case. “The problem with clothing and surgical masks is that they can reduce exposure, but because of the small particle size and lack of a tight fit, they don’t provide enough protection,” he said.
Wear a mask regularly against air pollution (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
However, masks do not provide a 100 per cent filter against air pollution, Dr Rajkumar said. “All the masks work as a shield to keep the particulates out. But, the efficiency of each differs from the other. Mask maintenance is important to prevent airborne particles such as N95 from entering your body, even though basic masks are effective at filtering droplets. You can also choose a slightly better N99 mask. Essentially, this means that this mask will block 99.9 percent of 2.5-micron particulate matter,” he explained.
Some tips to keep in mind
“If you use a non-disposable mask outside every day, it is advisable to buy multiple masks and use them alternately,” Rajkumar said, sharing some essential tips you should keep in mind. .
, cover your mouth and nose when wearing Mask,
*Avoid wearing a mask over your chin when not in use.
*Take care to wash and air-dry your mask regularly.
*While wearing the mask, one should avoid touching it regularly.
*Your mask should be kept in an airtight container or in a specific location.
*Never take off your mask before wash hands,
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