Delhi air pollution: Masks selling in market not sufficient to stay safe during perilous situation

After the severe air pollution hit Delhi-NCR in last two days, people in great numbers using masks to protect them. People are of the view that masks can help them in staying safe during perilous situation.

Different kinds of masks are being sold in the market at present. These masks include N95 and N99. These can protect people from pollution in the range of PM 2.5 to PM 10.

But, the air does not only contain pollutants. Along with the particulate matter, dangerous gases like CO2, NO2 and SO2 are also present which makes the air poisonous. An ordinary mask cannot prevent people from getting affected from the pollution.

There are three kinds of masks available in the market which saves people from different kinds of particles – bretho, fresho and airo. Activated carbon granule and activated carbon fabric are used in the masks which traps the pollutants during filteration and restricts it from reaching your nose.

You can also put filter in warm water and use it again. This way, the soaked particulate matter will get dissolved in the water. And, the mask can be used again.

But, masks cannot be worn more than few hours and precautions are also needed.