Should We Have a Mask Mandate for Air Pollution?

Based on data, air pollution was responsible for 17 lac deaths in India in 2020, while COVID was responsible for 1.5 lac deaths.  And air pollution is a constant in India – the only slight respite is during the monsoon months.

Air pollution is directly linked to morbidity and mortality.  Your actual risk of adverse effects depends on your current health status, the pollutant type and concentration, and the length of your exposure to the polluted air.

 Short-Term Exposure to Particulate Pollution Can:

Even If You Are Healthy, You May Experience Temporary Symptoms, Such as:

High Air Pollution Levels Can Cause Immediate Health Problems Including: 

Long-Term Exposure to Polluted Air Can Have Permanent Health Effects Such as:

Those Most Susceptible to Severe Health Problems from Air Pollution Are:

It is estimated that the Years of Life Lost(YLL) from living and breathing in Delhi is 9-12 years.

While our Health Departments hope for natural causes to clear our air, I strongly recommend a mask mandate once the AQI exceeds 200.  All outdoor sporting/cardiovascular activity must cease unless it’s with recommended specialized sports masks (with low resistance).  Parents please use your discretion to mask your child at lower AQI levels.

Let’s follow the science and put health and safety first!