Air Pollution Masks: How Do They Work?

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects people all around the world. It is caused by a combination of harmful particles and gases, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, which can have negative impacts on human health, even from minor exposure. Fortunately, wearing face masks is an effective way to protect oneself from the ill effects of air pollution. The ability of masks to reduce these effects depends on factors such as the type of pollutants, the kind of mask used, and how well it fits. Masks like the N95, Vogmask, Respro, and Totobobo are popular options, with varying levels of effectiveness in capturing pollutants. While conclusive studies are still needed, masks have been shown to provide health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and better-regulated heart rates.

Air Pollution Masks Characteristics

Effectiveness of masks depends on the type of pollutant

The effectiveness of air pollution masks depends on the type of pollutant, the kind of mask, and how it is used. Masks are considered an effective way to protect oneself from the negative health impacts of air pollution, which can affect the lungs, heart, and brain.

Simple paper dust masks are generally ineffective in reducing air pollution exposure. However, inexpensive HEPA filter masks, such as N95 respirators, are effective in limiting exposure to fine particles due to their 5% protection factor. N95 masks are less effective for particles smaller than 0.3 microns and do not filter out harmful gases. To address this, N95 masks can be combined with additional features like activated charcoal, which helps reduce exposure to gases.

The N95 mask has been studied in several Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, and has been found to lower blood pressure in both healthy and unhealthy participants. The studies also showed improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart in participants with heart disease. These findings suggest that N95 masks can reduce the short-term exposure effects of urban air pollution on the heart and blood vessels.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of masks also depends on their fit and seal on the wearer's face. A tight fit ensures that the mask filters out pollutants as intended, reducing the ill effects of air pollution.

N95 masks are the most common

The effectiveness of N95 masks in reducing the ill effects of air pollution depends on the type of pollutants, the fit of the mask, and how the mask is used. They have a protection factor of 5, meaning they can filter out all but 5% of harmful particles from the air. However, this effectiveness is reduced for particles smaller than 0.3 microns, and N95 masks do not remove harmful gases from the air. To address this, N95 masks can be combined with additional features such as activated charcoal, which helps to reduce the presence of harmful gases.

N95 masks are commonly used in healthcare settings and are regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). They are also available for purchase by the general public, with brands such as 3M, ALG, and Harley offering N95 masks in a variety of sizes and styles, including soft shell and hard shell options.

While N95 masks are an effective option for protecting against air pollution, it is important to note that they may not be comfortable for everyone. Some people may experience difficulty breathing or feelings of claustrophobia when wearing these masks. Additionally, N95 masks are only effective when they provide a good seal around the face, so it is crucial to ensure a tight fit.

Masks must fit tightly to be effective

Masks are considered an effective way to protect oneself from the negative effects of air pollution. The effectiveness of a mask depends on the type of pollutants, the kind of mask used, and how the mask is used. Masks are generally assigned a protection factor, indicating the percentage of pollutants that are not filtered out. For instance, a protection factor of 5 means that the mask filters out 95% of harmful particles.

N95 masks are the most commonly used masks, and they are known to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. However, N95 masks do not remove harmful gases from the air. To address this, they can be combined with additional features such as activated charcoal, which helps to reduce the ill effects of air pollution.

It is important to note that masks are only effective when they provide a good seal around the face. Fit molding is an essential step to ensure that there are no unfiltered airflows. A mask that fits tightly on your face can significantly reduce the ill effects of air pollution.

Some masks, like the 3M N95, Vogmask, Respro, and Totobobo, are commercially available and provide varying levels of protection. The 3M masks have consistently performed the best in tests, while the Totobobo fit test does not perform as well as other brands. The Vogmask captures 95% of pollutants and is made of microfiber filtration fabric, providing an N99 rating. The Respro masks are especially suitable in an "urban sports environment," such as biking in city traffic.

Surgical masks are more effective than fabric masks

The effectiveness of face masks in reducing the harmful effects of air pollution depends on the type of pollutant, the kind of mask used, and how it is used. Surgical masks are considered more effective than fabric masks in protecting against harmful particles and pollutants.

Surgical masks are made from a plastic-derived material called polypropylene, which offers a high level of efficiency in filtering out particles. A recent peer-reviewed study found that surgical masks are 95% effective at filtering out viral particles, even after being washed with soap and water up to 10 times. This is significantly higher than the 37% effectiveness of fabric masks. While the CDC and FDA recommend against reusing disposable surgical masks, this study highlights the durability and sustained performance of surgical masks compared to fabric masks.

Fabric masks, on the other hand, can be quite variable in their effectiveness. While they can provide decent protection by removing most droplets generated while talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing, their filtration capabilities are lower than those of surgical masks. Fabric masks typically achieve up to 90% filtration for a single diameter of 3 microns, while surgical masks can offer 98% filtration of particles between 650 nanometres and 7 microns.

The fit of the mask is also crucial. A well-fitting fabric mask might offer similar protection to an ill-fitting surgical mask. It is important to look for a mask that fits tightly and provides a good seal around the face, ensuring no gaps along the sides. A proper fit helps maximize the filtration capabilities of the mask, regardless of its type.

In crowded situations where social distancing is challenging, such as air travel or classrooms, experts recommend opting for surgical masks or even KN95 masks for enhanced protection. Surgical masks and KN95s are relatively inexpensive and widely available, making them accessible options for most individuals.

Masks have documented health benefits

The N95 masks are the most commonly used masks. The "N95" label stands for the mask's ability to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. N95 masks have a protection factor of 5, meaning they can filter out all but 5% of harmful particles from the air. This effectiveness is reduced for particles smaller than 0.3 microns. N95 masks do not remove harmful gases from the air, but they can be combined with additional features such as activated charcoal, which helps to reduce these effects.

Surgical masks have also been found to be effective in reducing CO levels from air pollution. One study found a significant reduction in CO levels after using a surgical mask for eight hours. While there is no data on the efficiency of surgical masks in reducing CO levels, they are more effective in protecting against particulates compared to fabric masks.

The Vogmask, a trendy mask that uses microfiber filtration fabric to provide an N99 rating, has also been found to be effective in capturing 95% of pollutants. The Respro mask is designed for the urban sports environment and comes with two valves for easier breathing and replaceable filters. The 3M masks have consistently performed well in tests, with the 3M N95 masks being the most common and affordable, always among the top-performing masks for particulate matter.

Frequently asked questions