Face masks will be a necessity in our lives for many years to come, especially with the current air quality index. It is vital to protect ourselves from air pollutants that are harmful and dangerous. However, we also need to be aware of the best face mask to use.
Air pollutants come in many forms and are produced by both human and natural sources. These emissions consist of a mixture of dust, chemicals and fine particulate (PM) as well as secondary pollutants like ground-level pollution. Global Health Observatory’s (GHO) study estimates that PM 10 to PM 2.5 are responsible for 25% of lung cancer deaths and 8% of COPD deaths (chronic obstructive respiratory disease). About 15% of strokes and ischaemic hearts and heart attacks can be attributed to PM. We can save ourselves from pollution by selecting the best covid-19 kit. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a covid-19 test kit.
Understanding the type of pollution you are dealing with is important.
Different pollutants are released by different types of pollutants. The major sources of pollutants are vehicular traffic emissions, burning of crops, dependence on fossil-fuels and industrial emissions. Face masks are available in different styles. To choose the right one for you, the mask must be able filter pollutants such as suspended particulates (PM 10 and PM 2.5) and harmful compounds, like SO2 and CO2.
Choose the correct mask for the pollutant.
You should understand that the marks on your pollution mask are different depending on what pollutants you’re dealing with. N-95 masks and N-99 masks work best for most fine particulate matters that are not oil-based. Masks with N95 ratings can filter as much as 95% of the PM2.5 and masks rated N99 can filter 99%. If you live in an area with high concentrations of oil-based fine particulate matter, then these masks are of no use. You may have to opt for the N-100 mask, which has a 99.97% efficiency.
Consider ventilation above style:
The right size of the air pollution mask is equally important as the choice of the best one. You should choose a mask that fits tightly to your face. This will prevent any particulate matter from slipping through the corners. It is best to choose a mask that fits snugly over your ears, rather than your head. This is because these pollutants are about 50 times smaller than an average human hair.
Before buying a mask, consider your needs:
Always choose a mask that is suitable for your use patterns. It is important to understand the best mask for your needs. There are many different types of facemasks, each designed for a specific activity. People who enjoy morning runs can opt for heavy duty masks that have large air intakes valves. They are more suited to handling larger volumes of moisture and air. People who only use masks on short runs may opt for cheaper and lighter options like surgical masks, which are designed for convenience and portability. You can choose masks which can be used for a short period, depending on how satisfied you are with them.
Never compromise on quality.
You should not compromise on the quality when looking for the best mask. This is because it’s about your health. Air pollution masks of the surgical style are not usually re-usable and therefore need to be changed frequently. Avoid contributing to landfills in your area by purchasing reusable masks. You should also check if the mask brand you are considering adheres to international standards such as Personal Protective Equipment (CE) and EN 149:2001+A1 :2009 FFP2R (R stands for recycleable) or certification by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
It is clear that newer pollutants will continue to be created and we will face newer threats. It is important to check the effectiveness of masks.
