Every year around 20 lakh deaths occur due to air pollution in India. While many parts of the Northern Territory experience worryingly high AQI (air quality index), several measures have also been implemented to curb the rising pollutants in the air.

To keep diseases at bay, experts recommend wearing an anti-pollution mask, preferably N95, when going out to protect yourself from harmful pollutants, especially particulate matter PM2.5, which can directly enter the bloodstream and cause various diseases. Is made.

But what are the different types of anti-pollution masks and which one is best suited for people suffering from various respiratory problems?

Face masks typically cover the wearer’s mouth and nose, which are the main entry points for bacteria, viruses, pollutants and particles to enter the body.

Amidst heavy air pollution including vehicle smoke, wearing a respirator (face mask) is essential to keep the lungs and heart healthy. There are different types of masks to protect the body, including surgical or cloth masks, N95 masks, N99 masks, N100 masks, P95, and R95 masks.

Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist, department of respiratory medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, said that one should look for a mask with intact seals and an expiratory valve to vent out carbon dioxide, especially if one is exercising. .

It is better to wear reusable masks with reinsertable filters than surgical or disposable masks. Masks used for people who have asthma, bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other breathing problems should have a silicone lining for added comfort.

The Bureau of Indian Standards under the Health Ministry issues guidelines for face mask standards, mainly focusing on N95 regarding specific raw materials like non-woven polypropylene, which helps in particle filtration without obstructing air flow. Does.

N95 is a highly recommended mask to protect against pollution and conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘N’ is a respiratory rating letter class, meaning “non-oil” meaning it does not provide filtration for oil-based particles in the air.

’95’ represents the percentage of protection it offers. Therefore an N95 mask is capable of filtering at least 95% of particles sized 0.3 microns or larger.

Other different types of masks are:

N99 and N100 masks: These provide even higher levels of filtration, with the N99 filtering up to 99% of airborne particles and the N100 filtering up to 99.97%. They are more efficient than N95 masks for very polluted areas, but are less breathable, which may make them uncomfortable for prolonged use.

Like N95 masks, they are not effective against oil-based pollutants.

P95 and R95 masks: P95 masks are resistant to oil-based particles, making them ideal for environments with non-oil and oil-based pollutants, such as industrial settings.

R95 masks also provide oil resistance but are designed for short-term use. These are often less common for daily wear and are usually used in specific business settings.

Surgical and cloth masks: in Provide basic protection but are generally ineffective For fine particles like PM2.5. They do not fit tightly, so pollutants can enter through the gaps, reducing their effectiveness against air pollution.

Cloth masks can be useful for dust and larger particles but are not recommended for highly polluted areas.

Activated Carbon Mask: High-end masks sometimes include activated carbon filters, which help absorb gases, odors, and some toxins in the air.

Each mask meets the needs of different individuals in different settings, so choosing the right mask is ideal to provide better protection against pollutants.