Air masks are definitely not a myth and provide protection from particulate matter suspended in the air if used correctly and if the right kind of mask is used. The air quality index (AQI) is alarmingly rising and there is an increase in the harmful pollutants in the air that trigger respiratory tract issues. The question remains - are air masks really beneficial to deal with the effects of these damaging pollutants? Dr Harish Bhatia, Founder Director Rebreathe Clinic Senior Consultant Chest specialist & Physician with Apollo Hospital, Corona Warrior & TB champion award recipient shares his inputs with Zee News Digital and shares how masks can help combat air pollution.
Air pollution Air pollution occurs when there is suspension of solid, liquid or gaseous pollutants in the air coming from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions etc. The most concerning environmental pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM2.5 and 10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) etc.
PM2.5 is really devastating for our respiratory tract as its small size makes it penetrate the blood easily. Air masks The work of air masks are to act as a filter for harmful air pollutants and stop them from entering into the respiratory tract of the human body.
These masks are mostly comprised of three layers - the outermost layer supporting the role of filtering out large pollutants such as dust etc., filter layer that are made of fine fibers.