by Capt. Jainendra Pant
Just as the No Face Mask Restrictions were removed in Delhi NCR and people wanted to rejoice the Annual Air Pollution festival is here.
Juggling between masks here’s some advisory.
Can the surgical masks we’re wearing to avoid Covid-19 infection protect us from the negative effects of PM 2.5?
Health experts recommend that residents of Delhi-NCR switch to N95 masks for complete protection from dangerous AQI levels.
For past few years Delhi-NCR has been plagued by air pollution and blanketed in smog every October and November
Masks, already in use to protect against the coronavirus, are now a must to protect against deadly pollution.
However, experts say that the regular cloth masks need to be replaced.
Senior pulmonologist at the Apollo Hospital, Dr Rajesh Chawla, said that the Particulate Matter (PM) levels in most parts of the Delhi NCR have reached “dangerous levels” and masks need a swift change.
“Two major constituents in the air are PM 10 and PM 2.5. The PM 2.5 levels in most of the parts of Delhi have reached dangerous levels,” Dr Chawla said.
A simple surgical three-ply mask or a cloth mask can be worn at home or in the office.
You must, however, wear an N95 mask, a pollution mask with a filter valve, or a double-layered cloth mask when leaving your home or office.
This applies to anyone who spends even a minute outside,” Dr Budhraja said.
“It’s also critical to wear a mask that fits correctly, doesn’t leak, and covers your nose all the way to your chin. There should be no gaps through which harmful air can enter,” he added.
Improve immunity, eat healthy foods and exercise often to brave against the man made disasters. Take care of yourself and your families
