Black Masks: Pollution Protection Or Just A Fad?

As air pollution levels continue to fluctuate, many people are turning to anti-pollution masks for protection. While these masks can offer some defence against liquid and airborne particulate matter, their effectiveness is often overstated and dependent on fit and material. A study in China found that the filtration efficacy of nine masks claiming protection against fine particulates ranged from 0.26% to 29%, with only one mask type having an average total inward leakage of less than 10% under both sedentary and active test conditions. Additionally, most commercially available masks do not protect against chemicals, gases, and vapours, and can even expose the wearer to harmful substances like micro- and nanoplastics. Nevertheless, masks like the N95, which offer up to 5 layers of protection, can provide some defence against dust, germs, pollutants, and allergens when stepping out of the home.

Do black masks protect from pollution?

Masks may not be as effective as they claim

The effectiveness of masks is highly dependent on how well they fit the face. Most respirators, including N95 and N99 masks, are not designed for children or people with facial hair, so the fit is often not snug enough to provide full protection. Reusing masks can also increase the risk of infections, as masks trap humidity and heat, creating an environment for viral, bacterial, and fungal growth when coupled with atmospheric germs.

While masks can provide some protection against particulate matter, they do not protect against chemicals, gases, and vapours. It is important to consider the limitations of masks and to follow proper usage and disposal guidelines to ensure their effectiveness and avoid potential health risks.

Although masks may not provide complete protection against pollution, they can still offer some level of defence when properly fitted and used correctly. It is recommended to choose high-quality masks designed for workplace use and to look for specific features, such as multiple layers of protection, to ensure the best possible defence against pollution.

Masks must be a good fit to work

The effectiveness of masks depends largely on how well they fit the wearer's face. A study on the effectiveness of a range of commercially-available face masks in China found that most masks, including internationally certified ones, do not provide adequate protection against particulate matter and black carbon, largely due to poor facial fit. Masks and respirators must be adjusted to fit snugly over the nose and mouth to prevent polluted air from leaking in.

The filtration capabilities of N95 respirators, for example, are superior to those of simple face or surgical masks when properly fitted. However, it is important to note that exposure to pollution is not entirely eliminated outside of test conditions. Most respirators, including N95 and N99, are not designed for children or people with facial hair, so the fit is never tight enough to provide complete protection.

When selecting a mask, it is critical to choose one that is likely to perform well. While retail masks must adhere to local or international standards, research suggests that the masks currently available on the market may not provide adequate protection. Professor Cherrie, a leading researcher, recommends choosing a mask marketed for workplaces and investing in one that is likely to be the most effective rather than the cheapest.

Additionally, it is worth noting that masks and respirators should be used only once unless they come with disposable filters. Reusing masks can increase the risk of infections as masks trap humidity and heat, which, coupled with atmospheric germs, can lead to viral, bacterial, and fungal contamination and infection. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that masks are properly fitted and used correctly to maximize their protective capabilities.

Masks can be a source of toxins

The efficacy of masks in protecting against pollution has been questioned, with studies finding that they may not provide adequate protection due to poor facial fit and movement. Additionally, there are concerns that masks can themselves be a source of toxins.

A scoping review of 1003 studies evaluated the content and/or release of toxins in 631 masks (including 273 surgical, 228 textile, and 130 N95 masks). The majority of these studies (63%) revealed high levels of micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) and other harmful substances, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, DEHP), and heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb, and TiO2. These toxins are released in close proximity to the airways, posing potential health risks.

The release of these toxins from masks can occur through leaching, as demonstrated in saliva experiments. Surgical masks, for example, were found to contain and release potentially toxic metals such as Cd, Cr, and Pb. Reusable textile masks were also found to contain high levels of TiO2, exceeding acceptable exposure levels by up to 1220 times.

While masks are designed to filter out larger particles and fibers, the studies suggest that they can also introduce new risks by releasing harmful substances. This has been particularly evident during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when mask mandates have led to increased exposure to potentially toxic compounds for significant portions of the population.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of masks in protecting against pollution depends on various factors, including the type of mask, the fit, and the specific pollutants in question. However, the studies reviewed suggest that masks can be a source of toxic compounds, underscoring the need for careful selection and use of masks to minimize potential health risks.

Masks can protect against diseases

Masks can offer some protection against diseases, depending on their design and how they are worn. Respirators and face masks are designed to filter liquid and airborne particulate matter, including bacteria, dirt, and plastic fibres. This can help protect people from infection by blocking droplets and germs. For example, N95 respirators, when properly fitted, can provide better filtration than simple face or surgical masks, reducing the risk of respiratory and heart disease.

However, it is important to note that most commercially available masks, even those that are internationally certified, may not provide adequate protection against fine particulate matter and black carbon due to poor facial fit and movement. A study in China found that the filtration efficacy of various masks claiming protection against fine particulates ranged from 0.26% to 29%, with most masks having higher average total inward leakage, especially during active tasks.

Additionally, reusing masks can increase the risk of infections due to the trapped humidity and heat, which, when combined with atmospheric germs, can lead to bacterial, viral, and fungal contamination. Masks may also release harmful micro- and nanoplastics, volatile organic compounds, and other toxins that can be inhaled, potentially causing health issues.

To minimise these risks, it is important to ensure a snug fit over the nose and mouth to prevent air leakage. Choosing high-quality masks, such as those marketed for workplace use, can also help improve protection. For example, the Urbangabru anti-pollution mask has four layers of protection, shielding against dust, microorganisms, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants. The Savlon N95 masks offer five layers of protection against dust, germs, pollutants, and allergens. For children, the Beatclouds mask features an attractive design and is made of anti-bacterial cotton with two layers of N95 filters.

Masks are better with more layers

Masks are an essential tool to protect oneself from air pollution and air-borne diseases. However, not all masks are created equal. A study on the effectiveness of masks in China found that most commercially available masks, including internationally certified ones, do not provide adequate protection against particulate matter and black carbon, largely due to a poor facial fit. The study also revealed that the filtration efficacy of the masks tested ranged from 0.26% to 29%, with only one mask type exhibiting average total inward leakage of less than 10% under both sedentary and active test conditions.

The key to understanding the protection offered by masks lies in their filtration capabilities and fit. N95 respirators, when properly fitted, offer superior filtration compared to simple face or surgical masks. The "N95" rating indicates that the mask can filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, providing protection against dust, germs, pollutants, and allergens. It's important to note that N95 respirators are not designed for children or individuals with facial hair, as the fit may not be snug enough for full protection.

To enhance protection, some masks are designed with multiple layers of filtration. For instance, the Urbangabru anti-pollution mask features four layers of protection, safeguarding users from dust, microorganisms, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants. Similarly, the Savlon N95 masks offer five layers of protection, ensuring safety from a wide range of contaminants, including dust, germs, pollutants, and allergens. These additional layers provide redundant protection, reducing the likelihood of inhaling harmful particles.

When selecting a mask, it is essential to consider its intended use and the level of protection required. For individuals seeking protection from air pollution, masks with multiple layers of filtration, such as the Urbangabru and Savlon N95 options, are worth considering. It is also crucial to ensure a snug fit, adjusting the mask to sit securely over the nose and mouth, minimizing the leakage of polluted air. While masks provide a line of defence, they do not guarantee complete protection against all chemicals, gases, and vapours present in polluted environments.

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