Surgical face-masks
The next most accessible and affordable option would be using a simple surgical mask. Although they help in blocking very small particles in the air transmitted through a cough and sneeze, they cannot be used as an alternative to an air pollution mask. This is because of the size and the loose fit between the surface of the face mask and your face.
N-99 Anti-pollution mask
-Anti-pollution masks with N-99 label are capable of filtering out PM2.5 airborne particulate matter with up to 99 percent efficiency.
-Like N-95 air masks, N-99 masks do not filter out oil and oil-based pollutants.
-Little expensive than an N-95 air mask.
N-95 Anti-pollution mask
-The ‘N-95’ label means that the filter blocks at least 95% of very small (0.3 microns) particles or PM2.5 particulate matter, which tends to stay longer in the air and is thus more likely to be inhaled.
-However, these do not filter out oil and oil-based pollutants.
Nasal Filters
Nasal filters, as the name suggests, are discreet wearable filters to be placed in the nose. These filters protect you from breathing polluted air and airborne microbes and ensure you breathe clean air wherever you are. The filters are designed to trap particulate pollutants such as PM 2.5, PM 10, vehicle exhaust, dust, pollen, viruses and bacteria. These filters are available for all age groups and in different sizes.
When not to use a mask: You are advised to consult a doctor before using any anti-pollution mask if you have any of the below conditions:
-Suffering from any kind of respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD.
-If you are pregnant.
-If you feel breathlessness or dizziness after wearing the mask.