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As the smog-laden skies of Delhi cast a muted haze over the city, and the air quality index plunges to hazardous levels, it is essential to safeguard your lungs. While there are solutions like air purifiers and filters to undo the damage caused by the unwanted pollution, you can also reach out for a face mask as defense.
Yes, these are the same masks that became our trusted companions during Covid-19. It’s time to take them back out and shield your nose and mouth to fight pollutants instead. But how can we choose the right mask? Well, we reached out to experts to understand the best available options out there.
Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of critical care and pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told indianexpress.com that different masks are made with different materials, providing varying levels of protection. “There are mainly three categories: Cloth or fabric mask, surgical mask and respirator masks.”
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Adding, Dr Ashutosh Rai, senior ENT, head, neck and thyroid surgeon said, “Cloth masks are versatile, reusable, affordable, and can be used in various settings. They are particularly suitable for regular commuters. Surgical masks, easily obtainable from surgical supply stores, are disposable and slightly more expensive. They are suitable for office workers or individuals who can afford them. Meanwhile, respirator masks are not necessary for everyday use but are essential for preventing viral transmission.”
Similarly, Dr Vikas Maura, director and head, Department of Pulmonology & Sleep Disorders, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi said that when selecting a mask for air pollution in Delhi, it’s crucial to choose the one that fits properly, has high filtration efficiency, and is certified by relevant authorities.
Here are the commonly used masks for air pollution, along with their uses, efficacy and materials:
Data procured from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), out of 35 monitoring stations showed that the AQI levels at five stations were in the ‘severe’ (401 to 500) category. (File)
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