Delhi residents have found no respite from toxic air pollution. At 348, the city's air quality continued to remain in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). However, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas of Delhi dipped to 'severe', going over 400.
The drill is the same. Avoid outdoor activities, prevent outdoor air from entering indoors, invest in air purifiers if possible, and most importantly, wear well-fitted, good-quality masks. In this article, we will not only discuss the impact of air pollution on your respiratory health but will also share what type of mask can best protect you against the toxic air and why.
Air Pollution’s Impact On Respiratory Health
Air pollution can take a dangerous toll on our lungs by exposing our respiratory system to harmful particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases.
Fine particles, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and irritation. Dust from roads, farms, dry riverbeds, construction sites, and mines are types of PM10, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 significantly increased not only the risk of cardiopulmonary problems but also the mortality of lung cancers.
Additionally, air pollution can also worsen existing conditions like asthma and increase the risk of lung infections.
Which Is The Best Mask To Use?
Amid dangerous levels of air pollution, it is extremely crucial to take the necessary measures and wear the best-quality face masks.
Dr Hitesh Billa, MBBS.DNB (Pulmonologist), Apollo Clinic, Manikonda Hyderabad, said, “In severe pollution situations where air quality is significantly compromised by pollutants such as fine particles, dust, smoke, and harmful gases, N95 masks act as a barrier against these particles.”
He explained, “N95 masks are highly effective in severe pollution due to their ability to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including very small particles and droplets. These masks are specifically designed to meet stringent filtration standards set by organisations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States.”
Additionally, N95 masks provide a tight seal around the nose and mouth, minimising the chances of unfiltered air entering the respiratory system - a feature crucial in high-pollution environments, Dr Billa noted.
Also Read: Did You Know That Air Pollution Can Trigger Heart Attacks? Expert Answers
Why Surgical Mask May Not Be Too Helpful
A 2021 study published in the Journal Geohealth revealed that an N95 mask may reduce exposure to PM by a factor of 14.
The study further shared that synthetic-fibre masks provide varying levels of protection, ranging from 4.4 to 2.2, depending on the aerosol size distribution. In contrast, natural-fibre and surgical masks offer exposure reductions of 1.9 and 1.7, respectively.
Dr Billa said, "Surgical masks are primarily designed to protect others from the wearer's respiratory emissions rather than filtering incoming air to protect the wearer."
He added, "They are loose-fitting and mainly used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer, especially during medical procedures, surgeries, or when someone is ill and needs to reduce the chances of infecting others."
It is important to note that surgical masks provide some level of protection against larger respiratory droplets, but they have limited effectiveness in filtering out smaller airborne particles, such as those found during severe pollution.
Conclusion
Since Diwali, Delhi and many other Indian cities have been battling poor to severe air quality. This has taken a massive toll on people’s respiratory health. While the situation continues to remain the same in the National Capital, taking precautionary measures plays a key role in protecting our lungs. Therefore, be vigilant, avoid outdoor activities, and choose the right type of mask.