Anti-smog masks – principles of operation, types, price. How to choose an anti-smog mask?

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Anti-smog masks are an attempt to deal with polluted air. The problem with smog is a phenomenon that occurs in the autumn and winter period. Then air pollution even exceeds several hundred percent. The inhabitants of Krakow have the biggest problem with this phenomenon in the country.

What is smog?

Smog consists of chemical compounds and airborne dusts; these are PM10 and PM2,5. PM10 particles settle in our lungs, and PM2,5 – smaller ones – from the alveoli into the bloodstream. These dusts are harmful to our body. Their accumulation in the lungs can cause shortness of breath, coughing, asthma, and problems with breathing and the respiratory system. Heart and lung disease, including cancer, can also occur. You can also find opinions that breathing smog is like smoking a cigarette.

In addition, the chemical compounds contained in smog have properties that lead to the impairment of the defensive functions of the respiratory tract, thus facilitating the path of viruses and bacteria, which will favor infections. It should also be noted that by impeding gas exchange in the lungs, the risk of allergies increases.

The conducted research and statistics show that the number of deaths due to respiratory system diseases is constantly increasing. According to the data, about 400 inhabitants of Krakow die prematurely each year due to air pollution with particulate matter. In turn, the death rate due to smog in Poland is estimated at about 40 to 50 thousand people per year. It is also worth mentioning that According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), 7 million people worldwide die from air pollution each year. These deaths are caused by lung disease and cancer.

Check what air pollution looks like in Poland

How does the anti-smog mask work?

Anti-smog masks, also known as “anti-dust masks”, protect against contact with polluted air. Their operation is related to the removable filters with which they are equipped. Manufacturers say the masks trap about 99 percent of contaminants. Despite this, specialists are skeptical about these words, and also report that not all contaminants are deposited on the filter. Unfortunately, anti-smog masks have more disadvantages. One of them is the fact that breathing in it is somewhat difficult.

At a certain stage of wearing, the mask also becomes wet. Their use may also be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses – they will be fogged to varying degrees, depending on the intensity of physical activity. Importantly, in order for the mask to fulfill its task, it should be properly fitted to the face. Otherwise, some air will not pass through the filter.

The anti-smog mask is not a one-time expense. Filters placed in it need to be replaced regularly, i.e. after about 2 weeks. However, in reality you should control the color from white to gray. The mask has to be looked after like any other thing. It should be washed or washed.

Find out more: How to get away from smog?

Do anti-smog masks work?

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection presented the results of the inspection by the Trade Inspection. The inspection tested anti-smog masks and carbon monoxide detectors. Unfortunately, research shows that most of these products are not effective. The masks were tested in the laboratory of the Central Institute for Labor Protection – National Research Institute in Łódź. Ten different masks were tested. The result is not comforting. Half the masks have been challenged. Experts found two models completely useless, and three had errors in the instructions for use, among other things.

It turns out that without the advice of specialists, we are not able to assess whether the masks fulfill their task. Therefore, the officials provided a guide in which they provided information on what to pay attention to when buying an anti-smog mask. The first symbol specified and explained there is CE, which confirms that the mask manufacturer has carried out the procedure for conformity assessment, and also declares that the product meets all technical and legal requirements. Subsequent designations are FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. These are symbols indicating the protection class of the filter.

The number 1 is the filter with the weakest class, and the number 3 – with the highest class. The capital letters NR suggest that it is a disposable respirator. It is important not to put the mask back on and not to wear it for longer than 8 hours. The letter R itself means that it is a reusable respirator. The last symbol is the letter D. It informs us that it is a half-mask that has passed the dolomite dust clogging test.

It should also be added that the following certification of anti-smog masks is in force in the European Union:

1. FFP1 – guarantees the retention of at least 80% of volatile particles,
2. FFP2 – guarantees the retention of at least 94% of volatile particles,
3. FFP3– guarantees the retention of a minimum of 99% volatile particles.

Often you can also come across the American certification. As in the EU, the United States also distinguishes three types of filtering half masks:

1. N95 – guarantees the retention of a minimum of 95% of volatile particles,
2. N99 – guarantees the retention of a minimum of 99% of volatile particles,
3. N100 – guarantees the retention of a minimum of 99,97% of volatile particles.

The letter N in the above classes means that the mask is not oil tight.

There is also a third type of dust mask classification and it looks like this:

1. P1 – guarantees the retention of a minimum of 80% of volatile particles,
2. P2 – guarantees the retention of a minimum of 94% of volatile particles,
3. P3 – guarantees the retention of a minimum of 99,95% of volatile particles.

Worth knowing: Is smog losing our immunity?

How much do anti-smog masks cost and where can you buy them?

Smog is a problem on the scale of almost the entire country. That is why you can get anti-smog masks in many places. They are available in pharmacies, health and safety stores, construction stores and, of course, on the Internet. They can also be found in popular clothing stores. The prices of anti-smog masks range from a dozen to even PLN 300 – depending on whether it is single-use or reusable, and what quality it is. The cost of the previously mentioned filters should be added to this, bearing in mind that they need to be replaced quite often.

Be sure to read: Polish children do not breathe air, only smog

What to consider when choosing an anti-smog mask?

Choosing the right anti-smog mask is actually not as easy as it might seem because when choosing, one should pay attention to many factors or elements of the mask itself.

First pay attention to the filter. It is extremely important that the mask filters out very small dust particles (i.e. PM2,5) that pass not only into the lungs but also into the blood. In addition to the aforementioned HEPA filters, it would be good for the mask to be equipped with an activated carbon filter that does what HEPA filters cannot do, namely protects against inhalation of any contaminants that are not in the form of dust, such as gases. Good anti-smog masks are equipped with replaceable filters, so pay attention to the life of the filters. Ideally, the mask should be equipped with filters with a service life of more than 60 hours. Another important aspect when choosing an anti-smog mask, in the context of filters, is their availability.

When buying an anti-smog mask, you should also pay attention to the fact that does the mask we choose have valves?. They open and close when you exhale. They are very important because they allow better heat, water vapor and carbon dioxide removal. This prevents excessive moisture generation. Depending on whether we choose a mask for everyday use or a sports version, they will let the air through better or worse. It is also important to choose an anti-smog mask in the right size, because only a well-fitting face mask provides adequate protection. There are sizes for children, women and men on the market.

Anti-smog masks are also equipped with the so-called nose pads, this element is responsible for proper adhesion to the face. They are mostly made of nylon and fit the shape of the nose. The nose pads are also made of metal which is stiffer but can be slightly bent. Another important aspect of building an anti-smog mask is the fastening type and it can be an elastic band or Velcro. It is worth having our anti-smog mask equipped with Velcro, because it makes the mask much more comfortable, not only in putting on, but also in everyday use.

The least important, but worth mentioning, is the fact that the masks available on the market are sold in a variety of colors and patterns. It is worth choosing the pattern and color that will suit us best.

Important!

Each model of the anti-smog mask (filtering half-mask) should be equipped with the instructions for use, which should be read carefully. It should contain information such as:

1. the method of maintenance and what means should be used to clean the mask so as not to damage the filter material or the filter;
2. its intended use, e.g. filtering half masks for use in an atmosphere with dust, fumes or mists;
3. restrictions on the use of a half mask, e.g. a filter half mask is not suitable for use in an explosive atmosphere.

Worth knowing: Are you not feeling well? Smog may be to blame

Anti-smog masks for athletes and allergy sufferers

There are anti-smog masks on the market designed for people who actively spend time outdoors. An appropriate anti-smog mask in the event of increased physical effort effectively protects against inhaling large amounts of smog. This is related to the appropriate quality of the filter, which copes very well with the increased rate of inhaled and exhaled air.

If a person exercises in places with a particularly high level of pollution, it is worth using the highest class dust filters – HEPA, and not combination filters, which create greater resistance.

On the other hand, when it comes to people struggling with allergies, they are particularly vulnerable to the impact of smog, which is why they should use masks that provide the best protection. The HEPA dust filter, preferably a combination filter, will play a key role in allergy masks. Thanks to this, allergy sufferers will be protected against allergens, suspended dust, and volatile chemical compounds.

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