Polluted air is linked to many life-threatening conditions including heart and lung ailments. A study by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute states that constant exposure to polluted air cuts global average life expectancy by nearly two years. The situation is worse in the northern cities of India including the capital. The life of an average person is decreasing by ten years because of continuous exposure to toxic air.
A joint study by ASSOCHAM-TechSci Research states that by the end of 2023, the anti-pollution mask market of India may generate a revenue of $16.86 million. Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and expansion of the urban population are linked to the deteriorating air quality in India. The presence of PM2.5 and PM10 in high concentration in the air has led to a massive sale of anti-pollution masks in India.
Global Health Observatory (GHO) in one of their reports state that 25% of the lung cancer deaths, 8% of COPD and 15% of heart disease cases are a cause of PM10 and PM2.5 exposure. The statistics of this report are high enough to ring an alarm in everyone’s mind.
Though there are various remedies like using air purifiers, staying indoors as much as possible and keeping plants that aid in air purification, they only provide safety to a certain extent. Thus, buying a pollution mask has become imperative of all.
What to Look for in a Pollution Mask?
The first step is to identify air pollutants and picking an anti-pollution mask that offers maximum protection from Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2). Some of these particles are so small that they can lodge themselves deep in the lungs.
Given the number of pollution masks available in the market, the journey of choosing the right one can be confusing. From large gas masks to the simple surgical ones, there are several options available to choose from. One can easily buy a pollution mask online from resellers like BreatheEasy. The wide range and detailed specifications help in choosing the right one.
How to Choose the Right Anti-Pollution Mask
When buying a pollution mask online or from the market, there are a few things to consider. The first factor that comes in play is the mask type. N-95 and N-99 anti-pollution masks are the best bet when it comes to tackling air pollution. The codes in these masks represent the particle filter class – an N-99 effectively filters out 99% of PM2.5 while N-95 filters out 95% of particulate matter. These anti-pollution masks are suitable for filtering almost all pollutants including noxious gases and heavy metal salts. There is another category of N-100 masks that are suitable for places with a higher level of pollution. These masks effectively filter out 99.97% of PM 2.5.
The next factor that needs consideration is the fit of the pollution mask. An ill-fitted mask will allow harmful gases to find their way to the nose and ultimately the lungs. An ideal mask is one that fits well on the chin, nose, and mouth. Many masks come with an adjustable strap to keep them intact and sealed from all sides.
The last and the most important thing to consider when buying a pollution mask online is the certification that it holds. Those masks with certifications like EN 149:2001+A1:2009 FFP2 R and Personal Protective Equipment by CE can be trusted to offer protection from harmful pollutants.
Your Safety Is in Your Hands
Looking at how the air quality is deteriorating at a rapid rate, wearing an air pollution mask has become a necessity. Children and senior citizens are most susceptible to the damaging effects of air pollution. So, buy an anti-pollution mask that is treated with silver to offer additional protection from virus and bacteria and comes with triple layer filtration system. Further, the mask you choose should showcase an excellent combination of quality workmanship and materials.
Choose to wear an anti-pollution mask to reduce the risk of encountering fatal health conditions when you step out in that grey haze. Stay healthy, feel fit!