Anti-Pollution Masks: Do They Really Work?

Air pollution is a well-documented issue in many cities, causing respiratory problems and preventable deaths. With thousands dying yearly from poor air quality, anti-pollution masks have become a common sight in cities like Beijing and London. But do they work? Scientists have tested various masks with mixed results. The best masks stopped over 99% of particle pollution, while the worst offered almost no protection. Factors like facial hair and face shape affect the mask's seal, and breathing through a mask can be difficult. Masks also don't target all pollutants, and their effectiveness depends on a snug fit. While masks capture small particles and have health benefits, they aren't a perfect solution, and reducing pollution at its source is crucial.

Effectiveness varies depending on the mask type and fit

The effectiveness of anti-pollution masks varies depending on the mask type and how well it fits. Masks with filters generally work well, with the best masks stopping over 99% of particle pollution and the worst stopping 70% to 80%. Masks that fit snugly on the face are critical to ensuring their effectiveness. Factors such as facial hair and face shape can impact the tightness of the fit, and a poor seal can render the mask useless. For example, the Totobobo mask does not seal well on a face with facial hair.

Some masks, such as the Respro and Totobobo, are more expensive and have sub-micron filters to filter out small particles. These masks capture less than 85% of pollutants. In contrast, cheaper 3M masks scored over 95% in tests. The Vogmask, which costs more than the 3M masks, performed fairly well, capturing 95% of pollutants.

While masks can capture even the smallest particles, they may not provide a perfect seal for all face shapes, rendering them ineffective in practice. Additionally, most commercially available masks do not target gas pollutants like NO2 and O3, so they do not offer 100% protection. However, masks have been shown to have health benefits, with wearers experiencing lower blood pressure and better-regulated heart rates.

Masks don't target all pollutants

While masks can be effective at filtering out particulate pollution, most commercially available masks do not target gaseous pollutants like NO2 and O3. This means that masks do not offer 100% protection against air pollution. The effectiveness of a mask depends on the fit and the quality of the filter. Even a small gap between the mask and the face can reduce the protection offered by the mask.

The most common masks available in China, for example, are designed for Caucasian faces and often do not seal properly on East Asian faces. This is because the companies manufacturing masks in China import all their parameters from the United States, using headforms based on Western faces. This design flaw means that masks may not be effective for a large portion of the population in China, where a billion people are affected by severe air pollution.

Even in places like London, where air pollution causes 9,500 preventable deaths every year, it can be challenging to find a mask that fits well. The fit of a mask depends on the shape of the user's face, and facial hair can prevent a good seal. The discomfort and difficulty in breathing through a mask that fits snugly may also deter people from wearing them for extended periods.

Additionally, masks may not be practical for everyone. For example, people with breathing or heart difficulties may find it challenging to breathe through a mask, and the discomfort may outweigh the benefits.

Overall, while masks can be effective at filtering out particulate pollution, they do not target all pollutants, and finding a well-fitting mask that seals properly can be challenging.

Masks can be uncomfortable and affect breathing

The effectiveness of anti-pollution masks depends on how well they fit the wearer's face. Facial hair can prevent a good seal, and the fit also depends on the shape of the wearer's face. If the mask does not fit well, it will not be effective. However, even if a mask fits well, breathing through it may not be easy, and this could pose problems for people with breathing or heart difficulties.

Some masks are more comfortable than others. For example, the Skysper Anti-Pollution Half Face Cycling Mask is made of neoprene for comfort, and it has an adjustable nose drag for extra comfort. However, reviewers have said that it does not fit all face shapes, and one person reported that the filter fell out.

While masks can be uncomfortable, there are other options that are even less comfortable. For example, one cyclist reported that wearing a helmet with their anti-pollution mask resulted in visibility "at the level of a paper bag with eyeholes cut out".

Despite the discomfort and breathing difficulties associated with anti-pollution masks, some people find that the benefits outweigh these drawbacks. One cyclist reported that, despite the discomfort of their mask, it was "worth it" because the valves wick away pollutants, and they couldn't smell any fumes.

Masks are more popular in some regions than others

The popularity of masks varies significantly across countries and regions. While masks are a common sight in some places, they are less frequently used in others. For instance, Japan has a mask-wearing rate of over 95%, whereas the United States and Britain tend to have lower mask-wearing rates. This variation in mask-wearing culture can be attributed to several factors, including societal values, government guidelines, and the level of collectivism in a particular region.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by MIT researchers revealed that masks were more prevalent in countries that valued collectivism over individualism. Societies that prioritized the collective interest were more inclined to embrace mask-wearing as a means of protecting the health of their community. In contrast, countries with a stronger emphasis on individualism, such as the United States and Britain, tended to have lower rates of mask acceptance.

Additionally, the availability of masks and the consistency of public health guidance have also played a role in the varying popularity of masks across regions. In the early stages of the pandemic, guidelines regarding the use of face masks were inconsistent across different countries and regions, which may have influenced their adoption by the public. For example, Austria initially followed WHO guidance that "disposable face masks are not an effective protection" but later recommended their use in public spaces. On the other hand, Sweden scaled back its guidance during the same period.

Regional differences in pollution levels and environmental concerns also contribute to the varying popularity of masks. In highly polluted areas, such as Beijing, masks are often seen as a necessary precaution against harmful particle pollution. Studies have shown that masks can be effective in filtering out pollutants, with some masks stopping up to 99% of particle pollution. However, the effectiveness of masks depends on factors such as the tightness of the fit and the presence of facial hair.

While masks can provide a sense of protection, they are not a comprehensive solution to pollution issues. Experts recommend additional measures such as reducing pollution at its source and opting for activities that minimize exposure, like walking or cycling instead of driving. Nonetheless, in regions where pollution levels are a significant concern, masks can offer a sense of security and become a more common sight among the populace.

Masks are becoming fashionable

Face masks have become a common sight in many parts of the world due to worsening air pollution, and they are now also becoming fashionable accessories. While some masks are cheap, washable cotton rectangles that often perform poorly in tests, more expensive masks with better filtration systems are available. These pricier masks are becoming increasingly popular, with companies like Airinum selling their products in over 50 countries.

The market for attractive masks has been steadily growing, with Chinese designer Wang Zhijun making headlines for upcycling old Adidas Yeezy Boosts, designed by Kanye West, into masks. Masks covered in the Burberry check, although not official Burberry products, have also become a common sight in Asian cities, demonstrating a desire to combine style with functionality.

Some companies, like Vogmask, aim to create the most beautiful, highest efficiency, most comfortable, and best-manufactured reusable consumer masks on the market. Vogmask wants to raise the conversation about cleaning the air while also providing important tools for protecting respiratory health. Similarly, Prana Air offers an N95 anti-pollution mask with a multi-layer HEPA filter, different fan speeds, and a rechargeable battery, providing both functionality and a sleek design.

While masks can provide some protection against air pollution, it is important to choose those with effective filters and a snug fit on the face. Facial hair, for example, can prevent a good seal. Ultimately, the best way to address the issue of air pollution is to reduce pollution levels in our cities, but until then, masks are becoming an increasingly common accessory, blending fashion and practicality.

Frequently asked questions