Guide to Buy the Correct Mask for Delhi SMOG

With the Smog situation on a rise, Delhi NCR is all covered with the hazardous mixture of Smoke & Fog, altogether a deadly combination for commoners! With the depleting air quality, it is tough to commute and harder to breathe pure!

We need to fight pollution till the air quality comes down to normal. A lot of options are available in the market when you decide to buy anti-air pollution mask for eliminating the air pollutants in the environment from entering the body.

Check the following points to know how to choose the best respiratory mask :-

1. Ratings - Check the mask ratings, N95, N99, N100, P95, P100. The ratings signify how much pollutants each of them can filter. For instance, an N95 mask would filter 95% of pollutants while N99 mask will filter 99% of pollutants. A "P" rated mask signifies that it can also filter out oil-based pollutants.

• 2. Protection - Check whether the mask can protect you from viruses, bacteria, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

• 3. Quality - Quality matters a lot while choosing the mask for you! Look for a good quality fabric with strong nosebands that are adjustable. A nonadjustable mask can be painful if used for long. Look for a washable or reusable mask for using in long run.
• 4. Exhalation value - Mask is an air filter but you need to check if it is having an exhalation value. There should be no suffocation or fog near the nose and eyes.

N95 Air Masks

Consider N95 masks to be your minimum criteria while buying a mask for protection against Delhi Smog! The n95 rating can filter up to 95% of harmful PM2.5 particulate matter. Which stays longer in the air and is more likely to be inhaled by us. PM2.5 can even settle in the nose, throat, lungs or even circulatory system further causing Plague deposit in arteries. Ensure there is no fogging near your nose or mouth.

N99 and N100 Masks

Air Masks with N99 & N100 masks can filter out the PM2.5 airborne particulate matter with up to 99% and 99.7% efficiency. While they are not oil resistant to oil-based pollutants.

P95 and R95 Masks

The difference between P- and N-rated masks is that the former can also filter out oil-based pollutants to an extent, which cannot be removed by the latter. However, this makes P-rated air masks a lot more expensive than their N-rated counterparts, and they still must be replaced frequently.

Always understand, not every mask is made to protect us! The cheaper surgical masks are just a barrier between air and our mouth which does not filter harmful particles.

Carefully choose what’s the best fit for your need and budget! Stay Protected, stay Healthy!

Veraaj is a wrtier in Heycare, an online pharmacy in India offering a wide range of healtcare services with healthcare app in india.