Are anti-smog masks really useful?

With the worsening of environmental pollution, especially in the northern region, smog weather often occurs. When the smog is severe, we will find that many people will wear masks. Faced with various brands on the market, many friends believe that specially made anti-smog masks can play a certain protective role. But some people are skeptical. So, are anti-smog masks useful?

Masks are hot-selling in smog weather, and many people think that wearing masks can protect against PM2.5. Experts say that wearing masks has a certain filtering effect on the air entering the lungs, but attention should be paid to reasonable selection and correct use. Disposable medical masks can basically only block some dust and coarse particles, and have very limited blocking effect on fine particles such as bacteria and PM2.5; relatively speaking, the thicker the gauze mask has, for example, increasing the thickness to 8 or even 12 layers, the better the blocking effect may be.

The protective effect of N95 masks is relatively better, but experts say they should not be worn for a long time. The more airtight the mask is, the more difficult it is to breathe. If it is not worn properly, it may cause dizziness due to lack of oxygen. Especially for patients with cardiovascular diseases, they must be more cautious. Wearing N95 masks in clinical practice is mainly to protect against bacteria and viruses. When wearing them, you must pay attention to the close fit, fasten them at the bridge of the nose, and make the edge of the mask match the face shape. If it cannot be close fit, it will not have any protective effect.

Do you understand the question of whether anti-smog masks are useful? When choosing masks, we must choose masks that meet national standards, and we must also pay attention to the rational use of masks. Some disposable masks have limited effects against bacteria and PM2.5. When wearing masks, we must not wear them for a long time.