The ambient air is getting toxic and polluted thanks to anthropogenic activities. Vehicular emissions, Industrial emissions, Stubble burning, etc. are releasing harmful gases into our atmosphere. Dust, smoke, fly-ash, soot, pollen, mists, fumes, fungal spores, etc. generated from human activities contribute to the accumulation of suspended particulate matters into the ambient air.
Previously, I have written a detailed noob-friendly guide on Air Pollution due to particulate matters and how it affects us. I have explained what PM 2.5 and PM 10 are, how does it enter the human body, and what diseases it can cause. I also wrote about the Air Quality Index (AQI) and its use. You can read my PM 2.5, PM 10, and Air Quality Index Guide to know more about it.
In that article, I also spoke about using N95, and N99 certified Anti-Pollution Masks if you stay in a pollution zone, or if the AQI of your region is beyond 100. You should stay away from the usual cloth masks that retail for Rs20-Rs30, as they are of no use against the smaller PM 2.5 particles.
The pore size of regular cloth masks is so large that the tiny particulate matters can quickly get inside through them. Your nose mucus can prevent the particles better.
Hence, for adequate protection, you should use N95 or N99 certified anti-pollution masks. In today’s post, I will discuss some of the best Anti-Pollution Masks that you can buy online.
But before I begin, let me explain the terms N95 and N99 masks.
What are N95, N99, and N100 Masks?
You will notice the words N95, N99, or even N100 written on anti-pollution masks. The numbers 95,99, or 100, represents the percentage of atmospheric pollutant the covers can prevent you from.
An N95 mask can filter out 95% of particulates in the air. Similarly, an N99 mask can filter out 99%, and an N100 mask can filter out 100% particulate matters present in the air. The N100 is an ideal mask for everyone, which will protect you from all external pollutants.
The shape, size, and build quality of the masks vary according to the type of filter it has.
Now, you may ask me, why not go for the N100 mask directly? Why will someone buy an N99 or N95 cover?
There are three valid reasons why you should opt for an N95 or N99 mask rather than an N100.
Firstly, an N100 mask is significantly expensive than the other ones due to the special filters it uses. You will get an N95 cover at a quarter of that rate. And, no mask is a permanent one, you need to replace the mask or the filters after a while, so you cannot afford an N100 mask for day to day use.
Secondly, due to its nature and functionality, an N100 mask is typically a bit bulkier than the other two. You will probably find an N100 mask made of hard materials instead of cloth.
And finally, your body can already filter out 95% of PM 2.5 and PM 10 without the mask. If you already use a cover that prevents 95% of visible particulates, rest assured that your body will do the rest. You will be more than safe using an N95 or N99 mask.
With that being said, if you are the guy who needs the best of everything, or if you stay in a densely smoke-affected region with utmost health hazards, then you should go for the N100 Mask. The 3M Particulate Respirator will be my pick for the N100 mask. It is NIOSH approved for 99.97% filtration efficiency. You may check it out.
Else, you may check out these N95 and N99 masks below.
PureMe Reusable N95 Anti Pollution Mask
The PureMe N95 mask gives protection against pollution, including pm 2.5, automobile gases, and dust. Naturally, it also gives you protection against the deadly coronavirus as well. It has got a five-layer pm 2.5 filters with an activated carbon layer. The pack contains four activated carbon filters which you can change and reuse later. You can use each of the given filters for up to 100 hours. You can wash the filter when the cotton mask gets dirty or replace the filter. Check out the product below.
PureMe Reusable N95 Anti Pollution Mask
Pollution Safe Reusable PM 2.5, N95 Mask
This mask from Pollution Safe contains four layers for better and efficient filtration of non-oily particles like dust or microorganisms. The company claims that the product can filter 95 percent of pollutants and toxins. It has also got elastic ear loops so that it can fit in perfectly. The main feature of this mask is the valve. When you breathe in, the respiratory valve closes to prevent polluted air from getting inside. When you breathe out, the valve opens up to expel the air from your lungs. Check out the product below.
Pollution Safe Reusable PM 2.5, N95 Mask
Bodyguard Reusable Face Mask with Activated Carbon, N99 + PM2.5
This one is an N99 graded mask that comes with activated carbon. It filters pm 2.5 particles and is washable. It has got six-filtration layers that help prevent respiratory problems and offer protection against dust, odor, pollen, toxins, and other airborne particles, which is useful for protection from coronavirus. You can mount it on your ears, and it also contains a nose tip for better ergonomic fitting. The mask comes in two sizes – large and small. There’s also a breathing valve for improved breathing experience. Check out the product below.
BodyGuard PM 2.5 Anti-Dust & Pollution Face Mask, Up to 99% FFP3 Certified
This mask from Bodyguard filters out 99 percent of pollution particles up to pm 2.5. The en149 standard approves the product of European and ffp3 technology that offers the highest level of wearer protection. Also, the product is not washable because of such high protection. The activated carbon present inside this mask arrests VOCs (Volatile organic compounds), as well as bad odor and provides fresh air for easy breathing. The cover is not stretchable. There’s also a smart valve fitted on the mask that provides a seamless outflow of exhaled air. Check out the product below.
BodyGuard PM 2.5 Anti-Dust & Pollution Face Mask
Grin Health Anti Pollution Foldable Face Mask
Grin’s health and anti-pollution face mask have got an N95 filter media, which is designed for superior protection from polluted air, ultrafine pollutants, filtration rate up to 95 percent. This mask has certified pm 2.5 specifications and meets N95 testing criteria. So the cover is much helpful in protecting from dust, molds, spores, pollen, and other indoor and outdoor air pollutants. It has got a padded adjustable nose bridge for a better and comfort fit. There are convenient ear straps for easy usage. Check out the product below.
Grin Health Anti Pollution Foldable Face Mask
Grin Health N99 Anti-Pollution Mask
This N99 Mask from Grin protects you against airborne infectious pathogens, pm 2.5 Particles, dust, molds, spores, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. It is a standard mask and meets N99 testing criteria. The mask has got a unique shape that allows the filter to cover 100 percent of the area within the mask to block and filter pollutants. The product contains five layers of activated carbon that provides extra respiratory protection as well as remove harmful contaminants. It has also got exhale valves that help you while breathing and speaking. It comes with adjustable nose tip and ear straps for convenience. Check out the product below.
Grin Health N99 Anti-Pollution Mask
Grin Health N99 Pro Anti-Pollution Mask
The Health N99 Pro Anti-pollution mask from Grin gives you superior protection from air pollution and airborne infectious pathogens. The cover has been pm 2.5 certified and meets N99 testing criteria. The activated carbon present inside helps in capturing minute particles. The main feature of the product is the presence of two valves for more natural breathing and speaking. It has got ear straps and padded nose bridge for convenience and better ergonomics. This mask’s filters also cover 100 percent of the area within the mask for better protection. Only a light hand wash is recommended for better product sustainability. Check out the product below.
Grin Health N99 Pro Anti-Pollution Mask
SG HEALTH N95 Pollution Dust Mask
This mask from SG Health is a pm 2.5 filter that protects you from harmful pollutants and pathogens in the atmosphere. The cover contains five layers of activated carbon, which gives superior protection against contaminants. The mask is compatible with helmets so you can enjoy your ride while this mask keeps all the pollutants out of your way. It also contains an adjustable nose clip that adds up the convenience and keeps it nicely fitted. Check out the product below.
SG HEALTH N95 Pollution Dust Mask
Advind Healthcare Smog-Guard, N99 Anti Pollution Mask
Advind Healthcare’s smog and anti-pollution mask is an N99 graded mask that safeguards you with all kinds of atmospheric pollutants and allergies. It gives you protection from pm 0.3 microns and pm 2.5 pollutants. Two layers of activated carbon filters make sure to filter every particulate matter, bad odor, dust, industrial pollutants, and paint fumes, etc. Check out the product below.
Advind Healthcare Smog-Guard, N99 Anti Pollution Mask
Mi AirPOP PM 2.5 N95 Anti Pollution Mask
This mask is from Xiaomi, which manufacturers not only phones but a bunch of other things as well. It captures 99% of pm 2.5 particles and contains four layers of activated carbon filtration. The fabric of the mask is skin-friendly as it includes a unique non-woven microfiltration material. The mask is not washable but somewhat disposable and lasts up to 15 hours. Check out the product below.
Last Words:
The pollution levels in the Indian cities are rising at an alarming level. And the lack of proper awareness is leading to hazardous conclusions for both the living creatures as well as the environment.
Yes, we may protect ourselves from the air pollution by using face-masks, but the ultimate aim should be to cut off the contamination at the sources itself. Only then we can promise a better earth for our future generations.
That’s all about anti-pollution masks. Let me know which one you brought, and how did it go for you. If you have any further queries, comment below, and I will be happy to help you out.
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Karthik is a BCA student who loves to write about science and technology. He also loves reading encyclopaedia when he's not writing.
