Masks that fight against pollution as well as COVID

Wearing a mask is a neccessary precaution right now. It's all the more important when we are facing double danger from COVID-19 and air pollution.

Many cities are complaining of hazardous air quality. Delhi-NCR recorded one of the worst dips in air quality, which has now breached the 'severe' mark. Doctors also feel that the rising smog levels is making India's fight against coronavirus more complicated. Recent studies have also shown that air pollution is responsible for an 11% rise in COVID-19 related deaths.

Polluted air quality is also making experience symptoms similar to that of novel coronavirus-dry cough, a scratchy, stifled throat, headache and watery eyes. Hence, wearing a mask is the single most important precaution you can take to safeguard yourself from the double danger of pollution and COVID.

While N95 respirator masks are considered to be the best anti-pollution masks, they are not recommended to prevent COVID-19 right now. So, what really is the best mask you can use right now? We asked two doctors to tell us about the safest masks which can protect us against COVID-19 and pollution risk right now.
Which mask should you be using?

According to Dr Jayalakshmi T K, Consultant, Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals, while N95 masks have a respiratory valve in them, the use of these masks should be restricted to the medical community or the ones who face high exposure to germs and viruses on a regular basis. "There can be a shortage of N95 masks right now. Using a good-grade surgical or cloth mask would protect against pollution as well as COVID right now."

Dr Jayalakshmi also suggests that using disposable, surgical masks can be a good buy, instead of using N95 masks. "As long as you use a mask that covers your nose and goes under your chin, does not have any loose ends or makes you uncomfortable, there's no added risk of pollution.",

FFP1 masks, which carry a 95% filtration rate can be a good investment for those who face hazardous pollution on an everyday basis.

If you are using a reusable cloth mask, make sure your mask has a three-ply fabric in it and has strings which go behind your head. Having fitted masks, which have a clip, or an arched covering on the bridge of your nose ensures that you take in cleaner air and breathe well with the mask on.

Dr Kinjal D. Modi, Consultant Pulmonology at Hinduja Hospital Khar also agrees that N95 masks can be uncomfortable to wear for prolonged hours, and if not used correctly, increase exposure risk. He also warns that some of the 'fashionable' masks available right now, which have a lot of sequins, added embroidery on them may not be the best shields for your health. A meshy fabric or mask cloth which has too many small holes in it can pose risks.

"One can find different masks in the market. A regular cloth or disposable mask would do. Make sure you are using one which fits you well."

Authorities have also suggested the many dangers of using valved masks. Valves, which one often finds in special respirator masks can filter out bad air, but also let in fine particles and germs, including coronavirus. It can also be fairly easy for a person wearing a valved mask to spread the infection onto others. Dr Modi also opines that the use of valved masks should be condemned for general usage, and only restricted to those who face an acute risk right now.

Do surgical masks protect you against pollution?

A high-grade surgical mask can stop the transmission of different kinds of viruses (up to 80-90%), especially if used by a person who is sick. However, not all surgical masks filter out small particulate matter (PM 2.5). So be very careful about using them.

Ensure proper disposal and care of masks

Following critical mask hygiene is just as important as wearing a mask in the first place. Being complacent in disinfecting or storing your masks can put you and others at risk, doctors say.

"Cloth/surgical masks get soiled after 5-6 hours of usage. Do not prolong their use. If you use a disposable mask, throw them after wear in a close bin. Reusable masks, made out of cotton or other material should be given a good wash and allowed to dry well before being used again," adds Dr Modi.

What other precautions can you take?

Wintertime, smog and a virus like SARS-COV-2 are enemies for your lungs. People with chronic respiratory disorders, frail immunity, co-morbidities should be the most careful.

Even though it is advised to avoid any exposure to outside air if you must go out, do so in the safe hours. 10 am- 5 pm would be the least polluted hours. Early mornings can be quite smoggy, and bad for your lungs.

Both Dr Jayalakshmi and Dr Modi suggest that people go for regular flu and pneumonia vaccinations to keep themselves safe. Timely vaccination can also lessen the severity of infections.

Doctors also add a word of caution, suggesting that indoor air pollution should be kept under check too. Clean out vents, damp areas inside the home. Air-purifying plants, devices and going for regular steam inhalation can lessen your risk of developing COVID-19 and pollution-related problems.