Selection of pollution mask can be a daunting task with so many options available in the marketplace. It has become difficult to choose among the best anti-pollution masks as each of them claim to be the best of all. However, a lot of people still don’t understand the difference between pollution masks and respirators. Eventually, they end buying the wrong product.
Given the situation where AQI level is increasing ever than before, wearing a pollution mask has become mandatory. No matter, how much you cover yourself with a scarf or handkerchief, you can’t simply beat the pollution level. Understanding the difference between pollution masks and respirator is quite important as they help save you from the dust and pollution when outdoors.
If you are soon purchasing a pollution mask for yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind that tells the major difference between pollution masks and respirators.
Pollution Mask
Air pollution has hit the country and rise in smog is already making news headlines. People are either falling sick or having trouble in breathing or else experiencing headaches, nausea, fever, cough, and cold. This discomfort is only due to the high pollution level.
There are a few things what people can do to beat the pollution level is to start wearing pollution masks. One can wear the masks during the high pollution level and it helps filter the dust particles that too small for a naked eye.
Before buying an antipollution mask, one should remember the product must be certified as N95. N95 masks have the ability to filter up to 95 percent of the harmful PM 2.5 particulate matter present in the air. This particulate matter is extremely dangerous to our lives if inhaled for a longer duration. N95 mask or pollution mask have air valves that can direct the exhaled air out via a dedicated passage. So, there is no moisture or fogging remains near the eye and nose bridge.
Prana Air Motion Mask is a perfect pollution mask that is engineered with special attention in details such as the quality of toxic air in your city and the various issues that you might face when breathing in.
Respirators
A respirator mask is a mandatory piece of safety equipment in some professions. Wearing a respirator mask serves as protection against harmful, airborne contaminants and some pathogens that could cause major injury or illness, especially in workers who are constantly exposed to hazardous materials. It is a device that is designed to protect a person from inhaling particulate matters. Particulate matters include airborne microorganisms, fumes, vapors and gases. There are two categories : Air Purifying Respirators and Air Supplied Respirators.
Air purifying respirators force contaminated air through a filtering element whereas the air supplied respirators alternate the supply of fresh air. The engineers use a different technique in engineering to reduce or eliminate the noxious airborne contaminants.
Respirator masks are mostly used to safeguard from the chemical gases present in the air.
We hope you understand the difference between pollution masks and respirators. Next time when you are out to purchase an anti pollution mask, you would be able to tell the difference.
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Also Read: Why do we wear an anti-pollution mask ?