Air pollution levels turn severe: Which is the best mask to use right now?

Pollution levels have become extremely ghastly and left citizens gasping for air in Delhi NCR. Severe pollution levels as such are not just toxic for our health and capable of making us encounter respiratory symptoms, but hazardous enough to cause lingering health effects for long. As such, while it's important to minimize our exposure to the toxic smog, so is it important to be safe when we step out, use masks, since we are facing the double dangers of pollution as well as COVID. The surge in flu and viral ailments make it equally important for us to rely on masking mandates, and safeguard ourselves. So, in times like this, which is the best mask to protect you? Surgical, cloth or N95 masks, which mask can you safely use?

This is not the first time that we're witnessing choking pollution levels, but with the virus continuing to pose a threat and a rise in other respiratory viruses as well, polluted air can, in fact, make matters worse. Be it indoors or outdoors, poor quality of air can actually make viruses stay suspended in the air, cause more rampant infections and make existing illness risk worse. Not just that, since pollution also tends to cause a lot of symptoms similar to cold, flu or even COVID, and make it extremely difficult to tell symptoms apart at once.

Further, since pollutants in the air enter our respiratory passages and irritate parts of our lungs, we can be vulnerable to catching ailments. Studies have also pointed out that while viruses can linger on in the air for long, and attack the body, pollution also increases the risk of catching COVID-19, and is capable of causing severity. While vaccination does certainly help, we can face a troublesome influx of respiratory viruses in the coming weeks because of the bad air quality we are taking in.

COVID, or the toxic air pollution levels, it's crucial to use a mask and limit risks, it's very important to check that the mask you're using fulfills all criteria, and actually works well in preventing exposure. Particularly, how well a mask could filter out or prevent pollutants from getting inside depends on the quality of mask you use and the levels of pollution as well.

When it comes to filtering out ambient air pollution levels outside, experts say that using masks which have a filtration valve present in them are the most useful. The FFP1 masks, or the N95 masks are known to be the most effective clinically, and can effectively limit the pollutants suspended in the air. FFP1 masks, which carry a 95% filtration rate can be a good investment for those who face hazardous pollution on an everyday basis. If not, using a N95 mask can be a good investment and protect you well.

We have already come to know how effective and preventive masks are, in cutting down big COVID-19 risks. When an individual wears one, and people around him or her wear it as well, the risks of transmitting viruses and other contagious pathogens go down considerably, since they prevent the entry of these pathogens into the nose or the mouth and replicating further. In the similar way, masks work in a good way in limiting our contact with pollutants and particulate matter suspended in the air, since they act as a barrier. The more advanced types of masks available, such as the ones which also have a filtration mask present in them can also relatively filter out big pollutants (such as nitrogen dioxide, different forms of particulate matter) and make you breathe in filtered, cleaner air.

However, while there's very little scientifically available evidence on the same, face masks are one of the best ways to ensure your safety and limit contact once you do step out. For those with severe respiratory disorders, i.e., the ones who face the most risks, using good quality masks can be a way to limit the bad effects of pollution.

Remember, not every mask may be useful, and it can be possible that the masks which work well against limiting coronavirus spread may not be that effective in curbing pollution risks. For example, using basic DIY cloth masks (using handkerchief), surgical masks, porous quality masks or simply relying on masks which have been used for long may not provide any sort of protection against pollution, since they can easily let particulate matter settle in and not prevent their entry. Surgical masks, too, can provide very less levels of protection. A meshy fabric or mask cloth which has too many small holes in it can also pose risks.

At the same time, using valved masks right now may pose some danger as well, since the valves can facilitate viral entry, even if they do protect against pollutants in the air. If you can't pick a N95 mask, try and go for a mask which has clips, covers your nose and your mouth and most importantly, is of good quality.

Mask disposal, use and care are also important when you are using them to limit pollutant irritation. With N95 masks, make sure to dispose of them off well, or if you plan to extend their use, clean them well.

Experts also advise that people should avoid stepping outdoors during specific hours (especially morning times) and measure their risks to safeguard themselves well. Remember, wintertime, smog and a virus like SARS-COV-2 are enemies for your lungs. People with chronic respiratory disorders, frail immunity, comorbidities should be the most careful. Keep a check on indoor air pollution levels as well.