Anti-pollution masks explained: Which one is the best for you?

Listen to Story Every year, air pollution causes around 2 million deaths in India. While several parts of the northern region experience an alarmingly high AQI (air quality index), several measures have also been implemented to curb the rising pollutants in the air. To keep illnesses at bay, experts recommend venturing out wearing an anti-pollution mask, preferably an N95, to protect yourself against harmful pollutants, especially particulate matter PM2.

5 which has been shown to directly enter the bloodstream, causing various diseases. But what are the different types of anti-pollution masks and which one is best suited for those suffering from various breathing issues? Face masks typically cover the wearer's mouth and nose, the main entry points for bacteria, viruses, pollutants and particulate matter to enter the body. To keep illnesses at bay, experts recommend venturing out wearing an anti-pollution mask.



(Photo: PTI) Amid heavy air pollution, including vehicular exhaust, wearing a respirator (face mask) is essential to keep the lungs and heart healthy. There are different types of masks to protect the body, including surgical or cloth masks, N95 mask, N99 mask, N100 mask, P95 and R95 masks. Dr Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist, Department of Respiratory Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, said that one should look for a mask with an intact seal and an expiratory valve to breathe out carbon dioxide, especially if one is exerting.

Wearing reusable masks with re-insertable filters are better than surgical or disposable masks. Masks used for those who have asthma, bronchitis, COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other breathing issues should have a silicon lining for extra comfort. The Bureau of Indian Standards under the health ministry issues guidelines for face mask standards, mainly focussing on N95 about specific raw materials like non-woven polypropylene, which helps in particle filtration without impeding airflow.

The N95 is a highly recommended mask to protect against pollution and situations like the Covid-19 pandemic. The 'N' is a Respiratory Rating Letter Class, which stands for "non-oil" meaning it does not provide filtration for oil-based particles in the air. The '95' represents the percentage of protection it gives.

So an N95 mask is capable of filtering at least 95% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. There are other different types of masks: N99 and N100 Masks: These provide even higher levels of filtration, with N99 filtering out 99% of airborne particles and N100 filtering up to 99.

97%. They’re more efficient than N95 masks for very polluted areas but are less breathable, which can make them uncomfortable for prolonged use. Like N95 masks, they are not effective against oil-based pollutants​.

P95 and R95 Masks: P95 masks are resistant to oil-based particles, making them ideal for environments with both non-oil and oil-based pollutants, such as industrial settings. R95 masks also offer oil resistance but are designed for shorter-term use. These are often less common for daily wear and are typically used in specific occupational settings​.

Surgical and Cloth Masks: These offer basic protection but are generally ineffective for fine particulate matter like PM2.5. They do not fit tightly, so pollutants can enter through gaps, reducing their effectiveness against air pollution.

Cloth masks can be useful for dust and larger particles but are not recommended for highly polluted areas​. Activated Carbon Masks: High-end masks sometimes incorporate activated carbon filters, which help to absorb gases, odors, and certain toxins in the air. Each mask caters to different individuals in different settings, therefore, picking the right one is ideal to provide better protection against pollutants.

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