From Delhi to Kolkata to Mumbai to Hyderabad, everyone is compelled to turn to solutions like anti-pollution masks, air purifiers, etc. to cope with the hazardous levels of air pollution. In such circumstances, the question begs to be asked — do air pollution masks work?

Manoj Kumar, who works at Medicine House in Central Connaught Place in New Delhi said, “This year we sold more air pollution masks than last year.” This is reassuring, however, there is very little empirical data out there attesting to whether pollution masks work or not.

1. There is no scope for pollution masks to capture the ultra-fine airborne particles.
The most hazardous particles are also the smallest one, and they are present in dangerously high levels across India.

Scientific researchers from the University of Edinburgh tested the effectiveness of anti-pollution masks by running a diesel generator and piping the exhaust through different anti-pollution masks. The researchers used a particle counter to find the number of particles that passed through the masks. This acts as an accurate benchmark for India, as data proves that one of the major sources of air pollution across India is diesel generators.

The results showed that cotton handkerchiefs block 28% of these infinitesimal particles, cycling masks block around 50% of the particles, and surgical masks block over 60% of the dangerous particles.
In accordance with the findings, J.C. Suri, HoD and Consultant at the Respiratory Department in Safdurjung Hospital said, “Surgical masks are not meant for protection against air pollution. They will allow fine particles like PM 2.5 to pass through.”

Voicing a similar opinion, Dr. V.K. Monga, Secretary, Indian Medical Association (IMA) said, “Surgical masks don’t help as they can’t stop any pollutants. Special masks for pollution are expensive yet no mask works over 8–10 hours because when you breathe in, the water droplets in the air make the mask soggy. Thus, it doesn’t work after that.”

2. Anti-pollution masks are, more often than not, a misfit.

Anti-pollution masks

A study on the effectiveness of a range of anti-pollution face masks in China found that most commercially available face masks, including internationally certified ones, do not provide users with ample protection against smoke, smog, dust mites, allergens, pollutants, and black carbon, predominantly due to poor facial fit. Most of these anti-pollution masks are not designed for children or people with facial hair, so the fit is almost never snug enough to provide full protection to a diverse spectrum of people. This study, published in the BMJ journal, Occupational and Environmental Medicine in April 2018, prescribed greater attention be given to the design of these masks and providing consumers with accurate, evidence-based guidance.

3. The better masks are on the higher end of the cost spectrum while not nearly as beneficial compared to its price.

New Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world, has made available to its residents some particular masks that can act as a shield from the fine pollutants that make the city’s air unbreathable. N99 and N95 masks are the only ones that work effectively. The N95 and N99 designations indicate that they have been carefully tested to ensure protection from over 95% microparticles. However, these masks are unaffordable for lower-income groups, for the common folk who spend the better part of their days outdoors, such as security guards, cab drivers, auto drivers, and ragpickers.

Moreover, unless equipped with reusable filters, these anti-pollution face should not be used more than once. Reusing anti-pollution masks can aggravate the risk of infections since they trap humidity and heat generated by inhaling and exhaling, which, coupled with germs in the atmosphere, can lead to viral, bacterial and fungal contamination and infection. In the long run, therefore, these masks are not cost-effective after all.

4. Final Verdict?

Anti-pollution masks are filters that prevent atomic-sized airborne particles from entering the nasal passage and thereafter infiltrating the lungs. The finer the pollutants are, the denser is the texture of the mask. However, these commercially available anti-pollution masks are not a fool-proof solution or shield to the staggering levels of air pollution present today. Their effectiveness varies depending on the quality of the mask if it is worn properly and for how long it is worn. For best protection, it has to be tightly fitted around the mouth and nose and worn throughout the day. However, this is not feasible.
anti-pollution masks.

Moving your face while talking or turning the head will invariably shift the mask from the mouth and nose area. Moreover, wearing a mask all day long can be uncomfortable and even get in the way of your work. Last but not least, you cannot sleep with a mask on.

A study in April 2018 tested the performance of nine anti-pollution face masks, including at least five of the N95 grade ones that claimed to protect its wearers from PM 2.5 particles. It was found that although the masks may indeed filter ultra-fine particles as advertised, factors such as face size and shape in addition to movement could easily lead to leakage as high as 68%.
The masks were tested on volunteers who were asked to perform sedentary tasks (such as sitting), and active tasks (such as standing and walking), and the resultant leakages were found to be statistically significant. During the sedentary tasks, the average leakage around mask edges was between 3% and 68%, while it ranged between 7% and 66% during the performance of the active tasks.

India’s First Wearable Air Purifier

Keeping all of this in mind, instead of spending on anti-pollution masks that are partly protective, at best, it is strongly recommended that you invest in a more long term solution, as the AirTamer. The AirTamer Air Purifier is a personal, rechargeable purifier whose electrostatic purification system emits a constant stream of healthy negative ions and eradicates pollutants from your breathing space up to a three feet radius, thereby circumventing the hassles of anti-pollution masks and providing you with clean, safe air on the go.

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