Masks: Pollution Protection Or Just A Myth?

Face masks have become a common sight around the world in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic making them a necessary tool in the fight against the virus. But do these masks also protect against another silent killer, air pollution? The answer is not so straightforward. While masks can provide some protection against air pollution, it depends on the type of mask and the pollutant in question. For example, N95 masks are effective at filtering out small particles and protecting the wearer from exposure to ambient air pollution, but cloth masks and surgical masks offer limited protection due to their poor fit and the size of the particles they are trying to block.

Do masks protect against pollution?

N95 masks offer protection from air pollution

Face masks have been a crucial tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. But do they also protect against air pollution?

The answer is yes, masks can offer some protection against air pollution, depending on the type of mask. While cloth masks, bandanas, and surgical masks offer limited protection due to their loose fit and the size of the particles, N95 masks are highly effective at filtering out small particles and reducing particular air pollution exposure.

N95 masks are designed to fit tightly around the nose and mouth, the main entry points for pollutants, and their filtration capabilities make them ideal for blocking out harmful particles. This level of protection is especially important for those exposed to airborne pollutants and hazardous materials, such as workers in construction, manufacturing, and mining. The demand for N95 masks has increased in regions affected by wildfires, as these fires release significant amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious respiratory risks.

While N95 masks offer superior protection, they may not be practical for long-term use, and their effectiveness also depends on proper fitting. Additionally, while they protect the wearer, N95 masks with respirator valves do not filter outgoing air, so they do not protect others if the wearer is infected with a virus.

In conclusion, while masks can provide some protection against air pollution, the N95 mask is particularly effective due to its design, filtration capabilities, and tight fit. However, it is important to consider the limitations and proper use of masks to ensure optimal protection against air pollution.

Cloth masks offer limited protection

Firstly, the protection offered by cloth masks depends on the type of pollutant. They can be effective against larger particles, such as those from factories or vehicle emissions, but their ability to filter out smaller particles is limited. For example, ozone, a common air pollutant, cannot be blocked by cloth masks.

Secondly, the design and fit of a cloth mask impact its protective capabilities. Cloth masks often have gaps around the cheeks and nose, allowing particles to enter through these openings. The fibres in cloth masks may also be too porous to effectively block tiny particles, with particles passing right through them.

A 2016 study found that cloth masks blocked only 15 to 30 percent of particles. While this is better than no protection, it highlights the limited nature of their defence. It is worth noting that surgical masks, while not perfect, are considered a better option than cloth masks due to the engineering of their fabrics.

When considering the use of cloth masks for pollution protection, it is crucial to understand the specific pollutants you may encounter and choose appropriate protective gear. Cloth masks may be insufficient for certain pollutants, especially those with tiny particle sizes. In such cases, high-filtration masks, such as N95 or KN95 masks, are recommended for greater protection. These masks are designed to filter out even the smallest particles and provide a higher level of defence against air pollution.

Surgical masks offer some protection

While surgical masks may not be the best option for protection against pollution, they do offer some level of protection. According to a 2016 study, surgical masks can block 15 to 30 percent of particles, which is significantly more than cloth masks and bandanas, which offer very little protection against pollution.

The effectiveness of a face mask in limiting exposure to pollution depends on the type of pollutant, the mask itself, and how it is used. Surgical masks are more effective than cloth masks and bandanas due to the engineering of the fabrics. However, the particles from air pollution are very small and can pass through the fibres of surgical masks, especially with deeper breaths, as particles can pass through gaps on the sides of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose.

For better protection against air pollution, it is recommended to use high filtration masks that are certified to filter more than 95% of PM2.5, 0.1µm, and 0.3µm particles. Masks with antimicrobial copper-infused filtration layers offer added protection by neutralising harmful viral or bacterial microbes.

It is important to note that while surgical masks offer some protection, they may not be sufficient for individuals with specific health concerns or those exposed to high levels of air pollution. In such cases, seeking specialised masks designed for occupational settings or anti-pollution masks that meet national and international standards may be more appropriate.

Overall, while surgical masks provide some level of protection against air pollution, their effectiveness is limited, and individuals should be cautious about relying solely on them, especially in highly polluted environments.

Anti-pollution masks need high-quality filtration layers

Face masks have been shown to offer some protection against air pollution. However, the type of mask and its filtration efficacy play a crucial role in how effective it is at filtering out pollutants.

N95 masks, for example, are highly effective at filtering out particulate matter, including PM2.5, which is a common pollutant from fires and ozone. These masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns, which includes most PM2.5 particles. For sensitive individuals, an N99 mask may be considered, as it filters more than 99% of airborne particles.

KN95 and FFP2 masks are also highly effective against particle pollution and airborne infections. These masks are recommended by experts for optimal protection against wildfire smoke due to their high filtration efficiency. The Cambridge Mask, for instance, employs a three-layered filter system, including a Military Grade Activated Carbon Filter, and is tested to filter more than 95% of PM2.5 particulates.

While cloth masks, bandanas, and surgical masks offer some protection, they are often less effective due to their looser fit and the larger gaps through which particles can enter. These masks may provide 15 to 30 percent particle blockage, but they are not as effective as the higher-grade masks mentioned above.

In conclusion, anti-pollution masks do need high-quality filtration layers to effectively protect against airborne particles and pollutants. The seal and fit of the mask are also crucial factors in ensuring the mask's effectiveness, as they prevent particles from leaking in or out.

Air pollution impacts health in the short and long term

Air pollution is defined as the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure from air pollution is through the respiratory tract, but almost every organ in the body can be impacted.

The pollutants that pose the greatest risk to public health include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Fine particulate matter is of particular concern as these very small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells.

Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases. Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can cause reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, on the other hand, increases the risk of diseases with a longer onset, such as non-communicable diseases including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is also associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births.

Other health impacts of air pollution include systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body. Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. It is also a leading cause of premature death, with the European Environment Agency (EEA) reporting that exposure to PM2.5 led to thousands of years lived with disability due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus in European countries.

The health impacts of air pollution vary depending on the duration and concentration of exposure, as well as individual factors such as age, genetics, comorbidities, nutrition, and sociodemographic factors. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions are generally more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution. Additionally, proximity to industrial sources of pollution, underlying health problems, poor nutrition, stress, and other socio-economic factors can contribute to increased health impacts in certain communities.

To protect against the harmful effects of air pollution, masks can offer some benefit, depending on the type. N95 masks are particularly effective at filtering out small particles and protecting against ambient air pollution. Cloth masks, surgical masks, and bandanas offer limited protection but can still provide some level of defence against air pollutants.

Frequently asked questions