The anti-pollution product has become an important aspect of surviving today. Choose one carefully, suggests Team Viva
People of Delhi-NCR have become accustomed to deteriorating air quality and prone to various respiratory and heart diseases over the last 10 years. While there are ways to curb the severe effects of pollution on your body like staying indoors, using air purifiers, limiting exercises in the open and wearing pollution masks, people are hardly aware of the benefits that come with it, especially the last. Wearing anti-pollution masks might bring a little bit of reassurance but how does it decrease exposure and protect you? And what quality should one look for in a mask?
As per experts, a three-layered surgical mask or an N95 mask is usually suggested to patients with breathing issues. The label stands for the mask ability to filter out at least 95 per cent of the airborne particles, which are larger than 0.3 microns. However, sensitive persons should consider using the N99 version of those masks, which stands for filtering more the 99 per cent of airborne particles. Among other things are nasal filters, which are useful for people who are at high risk or going to areas where pollution level is very high.
Various companies, working to ensure a pollution-free lifestyle, are producing anti-pollution products like masks, which can be looked at and compared for their different qualities and benefits.
The Prana Air mask has an N95 filter and a fan inside that maintains the airflow, allowing one to breathe effortlessly. It features six-layer air purification that includes two layers of activated carbon to prevent harmful gases, a layer of pre-white filter to stop all particles larger than 0.10 microns, and two layers of HEPA to stop all PM 2.5 and PM 1 particles larger than 0.3 microns. Its purification efficiency is 99.95 per cent. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts over five hours.
Another one that has been rated one of the most used is the Atlanta Healthcare Cambridge N99 air pollution mask. Well, this one adds to fashion too with its designed cover. The mask comes in three different models — one, no valve; two, 1 valve; and three, two valves. You can get any but having two valves is good for running and work. It comes with an adjustable nose clip for a perfect fit. It also offers various designs to choose from. The mask can be used for 250 to 300 breathing hours. So, you can use it for months.
Vogmask Masks N99 are another designer masks that filters 99 per cent of airborne particles of 0.3 microns and layers, carbon filter and exhales valve. The Vogmask 8-bit single valve masks are available at Nirvana Being. One such is also Repeller N99, which comes with an N99 carbon filter that eliminates up to PM 2.5 particles. It has adjustable straps and is washable. If you use it for 12 hours a day, it can last for around two months.
Keeping the importance of exercise and sports in mind, there are idMask masks by Nirvana Being as well, which can be used while running or any outdoor sport activity. They are made for the physically active community in a way that they are comfortable even while engaging in a tiresome exercise.
Even though these masks might come to our rescue, their proper usage is important to make them fully helpful. Else, the mask is of no use. Fitting it tight might cause discomfort. And to be really efficient, the masks should be used and worn properly to ensure a good ‘fit’ with the face. But they are certainly important. Even Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal distributed around 50 lakh anti-pollution masks to school-goers recently.
