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Indoor air quality is now a critical concern more so because people spend most of their time indoors at home, work, or school. The most important indoor air pollutant is the carbon dioxide (CO2) in a room. CO2 exposure can lead to fatigue, reduction in mental performance, and have an impact on people’s general state. In order to counteract this, efficient air circulation techniques are being incorporated including the use of electrostatic filters. Together with appropriate Ventilation solution for low CO2, these filters offer the desired method of maintaining a healthy indoor climate.   Exploring the Electrostatic Filters Electrostatic filters are those filters that are used in air filtration systems which apply force of an electric charge to particles in order to trap them. These filters are very efficient in filtering dust, pollen, bacteria and other materials in circulation hence improving air quality. Electrostatic filter work differently from other filters that use mechanical methods to remove particulate matter from the air and this is because they use a charge that collects these contaminants as the air moves through the system. Efficiency in Filtration: Electrostatic filters are used like no other because it allows for the trapping of particles even at the microscopic level, a factor that is very important in enclosed spaces. This makes them suitable for use in ventilation systems that seek to eliminate or limit pollutants and allergens. Sustainability: Electrostatic filters are usually reusable after being washed and therefore are more eco-friendly than disposable ones. Their use is long-term, thus making them sustainable while at the same time keeping the quality of air in the long-run.   Low CO2 Ventilation Fresh air exchange is critical in the management of CO2 concentrations indoors. Confined spaces often contain CO2 at high levels that reduce the quality of the air in the room. The use of electrostatic filter in ventilating systems assists in filtering the air and at the same time controlling high levels of CO2. CO2 Management: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems with electrostatic filters ensure fresh air circulation without accumulation of CO2. This is especially true when it comes to indoor environments with high human traffic like classrooms, conference halls and offices. Energy Efficiency: Contemporary systems of ventilation that have incorporated electrostatic filters can be arranged to use energy efficiently.    Major advantages of electrostatic filters in ventilation systems Improved Air Quality: Heating and cooling systems with electrostatic filters provide increased air clarity and clean indoor air devoid of unwanted particles and low CO2 levels. Cost-Effective and Sustainable: Long-lasting and reusable, electrostatic filters are the most economical and environmentally friendly air quality maintenance solutions.   Conclusion Electrostatic filters are one of the latest innovations in the field of air treatment and ventilation. When incorporated into systems intended to regulate levels of CO2 within buildings, they present a viable solution to achieving comfortable indoor environments. CO2 concentrations in confined spaces need to be regulated and with proper ventilation such as those with electrostatic filters, both health and environmental objectives can be accomplished. For those seeking to enhance indoor air quality, the advanced Ventilation solution for low CO2 with electrostatic filters should be the ultimate solution.

Being able to breathe fresh and clean air indoors is very important especially at the present time when air quality is becoming a significant problem. Electrostatic precipitator which is also referred to as ESP is one of the best technologies used in air purification. Unlike normal air filters that use physical methods to capture the particles, ESP uses electric charges to remove dust particles from the air. As for the washable filters they are gradually entering the market as environmentally friendly solutions for homes and working places. This blog will explain how electrostatic precipitators work and how washable filter bring benefits to the purification of indoor air. How An Electrostatic precipitator Works Electrostatic precipitators are air filtering devices that are used to collect fine particles from gas streams by means of an applied electrostatic charge. Here’s how it works: Ionization Process: When air flows over an ESP, dust, smoke, and pollen particles in the air are charged through a process known as ionization. Electrodes used in high voltage produce electric charge which ionizes these particles to either gain positive or negative charge.   The Benefit of Washable Filters Washable filters are a reusable, environment friendly way of air purification. This is advantageous since washable filters can be dismounted and washed severally and therefore are more economical than disposable ones. Easy Maintenance: These filters are very easy to clean and maintain. They can be cleaned with water and reused because after being blocked by dust and other particles they may be washed and reused without replacement. This is beneficial in cutting expenses of maintaining the machines as well as minimizing wastage of the environment. Durability and Longevity: Washable filters are often made from durable materials that can withstand multiple cleaning cycles. Their durability is an advantage that can be used side by side with electrostatic precipitator working, and do not require frequent filter replacements to ensure proper air quality. Key Benefits of Electrostatic Precipitators with Washable Filters High Efficiency: ESPs are designed to be very efficient in the removal of fine particles such as allergens and pollutants to make the indoor environment better. Cost Savings: Washable filter eliminate the need for regular replacements, resulting in cost savings over time. Combined with the fact that ESPs are capable of removing particles from the air effectively, this forms an efficient and cost-friendly air purification system. Improved Indoor Air Quality: Together, ESPs and washable filters help to maintain optimal air quality in both residential and commercial settings, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and improving overall health.   Conclusion The combination of electrostatic precipitator working and washable filters provides a powerful and sustainable solution for improving indoor air quality. While ESPs effectively capture fine particles using electrical charges, washable filters add the advantage of reusability and easy maintenance, making this duo an eco-friendly and cost-efficient choice. If you are interested in improving air purification systems in your home or workplace, you might find that implementing this technology will pay off in the long run, and help you breathe cleaner air.

Air quality has already hit the ‘severe’ category in Delhi NCR and in most cities along the GT Road, and the situation is expected to get worse as meteorologists have forecasted extreme cold conditions from December to February, which is likely to lead to very high levels of air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains. North India is expected to experience a prolonged spell of air pollution in the coming months with the appearance of the La Niña effect, along with other factors like low wind speeds, severe cold, biomass burning and more. More number of colder days are likely in the season due to the La Niña and will invariably lead to a greater number of ‘poor’ to ‘severe’ air quality days ahead for the entire Indo-Gangetic plains till mid- February or beyond. Wintertime is already conducive for pollution and a further drop in mercury would only worsen the present situation. The cities along the GT Road from Amritsar, Punjab, to Kolkata, West Bengal, witness 2 episodes of air pollution, where local emissions, stubble burning and firecrackers are contributors to Episode 1 between late October and late November. The factors contributing to Episode 2 between 15th December to Mid-February or beyond include severe winter conditions, local emissions, biomass burning leading to a greater concentration of pollutants where we breathe due to cold air inversion. Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), a global network of communications professionals in the field of climate and energy stated “In the wintertime, cold air frequently settles over northern India and wintertime temperature inversions contribute to the build-up of haze”. Inversions occur when cold air gets trapped under a layer of warm air. Since the cold air cannot rise above the warm air, pollution builds in the cold air as long as the temperature inversion lasts. It is wise to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Nirvana Being, India’s leading clean air solutions business offers an array of products for both indoors and outdoors to help your breath pure. Prevention, always better than cure!

Air pollution is undoubtedly the most problematic type of pollution and it is made worse by the fact that everyone is exposed - because everyone needs to breathe! The major factors contributing to the increasing PM levels include unpaved roads, ill-regulated industry, an ever-increasing number of road vehicles, biomass and waste burning. It is imperative to understand that we are living through a “Twin-demic” including both Covid-19 and Air Pollution – both create a respiratory distress in the human body. The World Health Organization estimates that one out of every eight deaths in the world is due to conditions associated with air pollution. Where Covid-19 has taken lives of about 4.64 lac people in India so far, about 1.8 million people lost their lives to air pollution in 2020 alone, more than 4 times the number of Covid deaths that the country suffered. It is estimated that the Years of Life Lost(YLL) from living and breathing in Delhi’s air is 10-12 years. The effects of air pollution involve a large variety of illnesses, starting with the simple irritation of eyes, nose, mouth and throat or diminished energy levels, headache and dizziness, but also potentially more serious conditions - of which the most common are: Respiratory and lung diseases, including Asthma attacks, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Reduced lung function, Pulmonary cancer (caused by a series of carcinogen chemicals that enter the body through inhalation), Mesothelioma (a particular type of lung cancer, usually associated with exposure to asbestos and it usually occurs 20-30 years after the initial exposure), Pneumonia, etc. Leukaemia – a type of blood cancer usually associated with exposure to benzene vapours (through inhalation) Birth defects and immune system defects Cardiovascular problems, heart disease and stroke (an increased risk especially due to particulate matter) Neurobehavioral disorders - neurological problems and developmental deficits due to air toxins such as mercury (which is the only volatile metal) Liver and other types of cancer – caused by breathing carcinogenic volatile chemicals Premature death- Air pollution kills around 116,000 infants in India every year within the first month of being born. More than half the infant deaths were due to PM 2.5 in outdoor air and the rest were linked to household air pollution due to use of solid fuels, such as charcoal, wood, and animal dung for cooking, found the State of Global Air 2020. For the first time ever, we are hearing the words Air Emergency and Air Pollution along with Lockdown in the same sentence, seems like we’re actually delving into the severity of the problem for the first time. The media is round the clock covering the worsening air pollution in Northern India and the Delhi Government has also filed a petition with the Supreme Court. While we hope for the best, let us all be prepared for the worst.  Stay safe and breathe pure!

Delhi’s notorious image for having bad air quality is nothing new. Thus, most people these days look for anti-pollution mask in Delhi. However, before you find which mask is good for air pollution in Delhi, have you wondered why is the condition so bad? Why in Delhi air pollution masks are in a huge demand? Let’s find out. The temperature inversions and stable wind conditions are characteristic features of winters in North India. While calm wind conditions prevent the dissipation of pollutant emissions, the temperature inversion layer tends to trap pollution, thereby increasing the observed pollutant concentrations and the region witnessing severe air pollution between November 1 to February 28 every year. We are repeatedly hearing about the worsening air pollution in Delhi and relying on Delhi air pollution mask every time. But what we must understand by putting things in perspective is that pollution as a problem is not restricted to New Delhi, rather spreads all the way from Lahore to Dhaka along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. It is a major cause of concern in Northern India from Amritsar to Kolkata along the Indo-Gangetic Plains, because of both- the local emissions and the paddy burning in Punjab and Haryana. In fact, the air quality of Faridabad (Haryana) Ghaziabad and Noida (Uttar Pradesh) is often, worse than the air quality of Delhi. It is also imperative to note that the Indus-Ganga belt is the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted alluvium deposits. As fertile as alluvium is, it is composed of loose unconsolidated particles. Thus, dry alluvial soil significantly contributes to wind-blown dust. The part of Northern India which is cloaked in a thick layer of pollution constitutes approximately 40% of the population of India and the air quality will essentially remain dangerous for the next three months at the very least. According to Urban Emissions Info, there are less than 40 air quality monitors in North India whereas the recommended number of air quality monitors is more than 1000. Even a smart city like Prayagraj does not have an air quality monitor. Therefore, it is safe to say that a major reason for the lack of awareness about air pollution is because of lack of air quality monitors and statistical reports to inform the people about the air they breathe. Overall, the need for anti-pollution mask in Delhi is not just limited to a region, but has become a need for all the developing cities. If you also live in or nearby Delhi, air pollution mask might be your next daily essential these days. Which Mask is Good for Air Pollution in Delhi? Now when we have learnt about the condition of air pollution, you must be wondering which mask is good for air pollution in Delhi. Wearing masks for pollution in Delhi happen to be the most viable remedy to combat air pollution in India. It is important to highlight that the problem is so severe that only tested and certified N95 Masks with Nanofiber filters that have particulate filtration efficacy >99% down to 0.1 micron are advisable for use at this point. Thankfully, finding the best mask for pollution in Delhi has become easier than ever. Nirvana Being, India’s leading clean air solutions business offers an array of products to help you breathe pure. Are you looking for a good mask for pollution in Delhi? Try Nirvana Being’s high-quality and lab tested anti-pollution masks Delhi today.

The WHO in its statement announced Air Pollution to be a Public Health Emergency because of the magnitude of damage it’s causing to people around the world where 90% of the world population in breathing unsafe air. One of the key components of air pollution is Particulate Matter (PM) which is not visible to the naked eye and is inhalable. You might have heard a lot about PM 2.5, PM10, etc., but have you ever wondered what is PM 2.5 and PM 10 actually? Don’t worry, this quick blog answers all your queries about PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles. What Is PM 2.5 and PM 10 Particulate Matter? Particulate matter are usually PM 10 and PM 2.5. PM is an umbrella term used for airborne particles, where PM 2.5 and PM 10 are what we most commonly hear. The number to the right of PM indicates the aerodynamic diameter of the particles. Here, PM 10 and PM2.5 depicts the size of particulate matter. Therefore, PM10 refers to particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm, and PM2.5 refers to particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm. PM 10 and PM 2.5 may be either directly emitted from sources (primary particles) or formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases (secondary particles) such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and certain organic compounds. These organic compounds can be emitted by both natural or from man-made sources such as heavy manufacturing, combustion, construction sites, roadways, fires and other industrial activities. Harmful Effects of PM2.5 & PM10 Both PM2.5 and PM10 can be inhaled, with some depositing throughout the airways, though the locations of particle deposition in the lung depend on particle size. PM2.5 is more likely to travel into and deposit on the surface of the deeper parts of the lung, while PM10 is more likely to deposit on the surfaces of the larger airways of the upper region of the lung. Exposure to both PM 2.5 and PM10 can result in premature mortality, increased chances of hospital admissions for heart and lungs, reduced immune response, congenital disabilities, diabetes, reduced brain white matter, acute to chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, respiratory discomfort, fatigue, etc. The American Heart Association also warns about the effect of PM2.5 on Heart’s health and mortality rate and states “Exposure to PM <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) over a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease-related mortality and nonfatal events; longer-term exposure (eg, a few years) increases the risk for cardiovascular mortality to an even greater extent than exposures over a few days and reduces life expectancy within more highly exposed segments of the population by several months to a few years.” Who is at Greatest Risk With Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10? Children are always most susceptible as they inhale more air per pound of body weight than adults, as they breathe faster, tend to spend more time outdoors and have smaller bodies. Their developing immunity systems may also be compromised in the process. In addition to this, the older adults with underlying conditions or pre-existing heart or lung diseases are at great risk when exposed to high levels of PM 2.5 & PM10. Monitoring Air Pollution Government Agencies measure the air pollution level through the Air Quality Index (AQI) using an air monitor and an air pollutant concentration over a specified period of time, the results are then grouped into ranges, each having its descriptor, a colour code and a standard public health advisory to follow. The higher the AQI, the larger will be the percentage of the pullulation to experience severe adverse health effects caused by PM 10 and PM 2.5. The primary driver of AQI in India is the season, where in summers, it is driven by PM 10 and in winters it is driven by PM 2.5. Conclusion The onset of winter season in India brings the pollution season – largely divided into 2 episodes.  Episode 1 which runs from Oct 15 to Nov 15 largely driven by paddy burning and NW winds that carry the emissions from Lahore to Kolkata and Episode 2 from December 15 to January 15, driven by biomass burning and cold air inversion, once severe cold conditions set in. Now that we have learned about what is pm2.5 and pm10, we must immediately act to curb the potential ill effects caused by them. The problem is so severe that utmost protection is now a necessity. N95 masks with nanofiber filters, that filter down to 0.1 microns that are essential. Nirvana Being, a premier Clean Air Solutions business in India offers an array of products that protect you everywhere you go- both indoor and outdoor, including specialized masks tested by Nelson Labs, USA and air purification and monitoring solutions for homes, cars and centrally conditioned buildings to make clean air more accessible. Combating both PM 2.5 and PM 10 particulate matter, you must grab these highly efficient masks from Nirvana Being today.

THE PROBLEM- India has the worst communicable disease, and the worst air pollution record on the planet.  In Urban environments especially, our highest exposure to air pollution is in a car, as we roll along bumper-to-bumper, with fumes from the car in front of us getting picked up by the AC of our car.  Shared mobility with models like Uber, Ola and more, also create transmission risks of TB, viruses and bacteria. Essentially, the air you breath inside your car can be 10 times more dangerous than what you breath outside.        THE SOLUTION- Nirvana Being, is set to launch their Airific Car Cabin Air Filter which is empowered with Active Molecular Technology (AMT). This is a do-it-yourself (DIY) product which replaces your existing filter in a slot behind your glove compartment.  The product creates a barrier for PM 2.5, PM 1, SOX & NOX gasses, pollen, bacteria, TVOCs and viruses, and prevents them from both entering the cabin of the car and also recirculating within the cabin. Through tests performed on various car models, we have found that Airific Car Cabin Air Filter brings Air Quality Index (AQI) within the WHO recommended range within 2 minutes of switching it on. This filter has a life of 6 months, assuming an average usage of 2 hours daily.    HOW DOES IT WORK? - As soon as the Air flow enters, it goes through 3 layers before it gets ready for you to breath. Layer 1: where Dust and pollen gets captured. Then it goes through the 2nd layer which is called the AMT layer, here PM2.5, PM10, bacteria, and other germs are captured. Then the air comes to the 3rd layer where it meets optimally packed activated carbon material that entraps Harmful gases, VOCs, and Odour.    ADVANTAGES OF THE AIRIFIC CAR CABIN FILTER- Better, faster and cheaper! We are filtering at the source and the Airific Car Cabin Air Filter does not allow any pollutants inside the cabin, leading to superior results. Since the Airific Car Cabin Air Filter is a barrier at the source, we guarantee safe WHO levels of air quality within 2 minutes. The Airific Car Cabin air filter costs INR 1,200-2,000 depending on the make and model of the car and it lasts 6 months.    Clearly, the Airific Car Cabin Air Filter is a novel approach to bring health and safety to your car and a great way to reduce your exposure to the toxic cocktail on our highways.

At the end of the monsoon season over North India, in mid-to-late October and most of November, the Delhi NCR region experiences Episode 1 of its long air pollution season.  The residue burning from the paddy fields across the states of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand and more creates an annual combustion event that impacts the health of over 700 million people in the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain.  The timing of this event at the onset of winter, with the lower morning temperatures, keep the pollutants lower near the ground, where we breathe and make it harder to disburse.  It is not just the toxic haze that worsens but it pollutes swathes of the northern parts of the country and creates a massive health crisis, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk. Some estimates state that farmers in India burn more then 23 million tonnes of paddy stubble each year. The onset of winters brings farm fires with it, massively impacting the nation’s capital, dramatically raising the air quality index, and increasing the PM2.5 to more than 100 times the safe threshold levels defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). After the monsoon season ends in the country, the meteorological conditions favour a more stable atmosphere where the pollutants accumulate and reside for a longer duration, leading to severe levels of pollutions. In 2020, it is estimated that 1.8 million people died from air pollution in India, way more than COVID. Experts suggest that Covid-19 and its effects worsen with a deterioration in air quality and cited a direct link between 30% of total covid deaths in the world and air pollution. As the country is recovering from the 3rd wave of the pandemic, it is a shared responsibility of all humans to consider planetary health and not add to the already existing burden on the medical infrastructure. A study conducted in 2019 suggests that when a person is exposed to high level of particulate emissions, it decreases the functionality of the human lungs, which has a more adverse impact on children, who are more likely to develop asthma or chronic pulmonary diseases. With all the schools and public spaces opening, the children are as exposed to the outside world as the adults are. As we all pray for the COVID pandemic to end, we need to collectively prepare for the paddy burning season which usually starts in the beginning of October every year, with conditions intensifying in late October once the wind direction changes to one out of the North West. The local combustion from the diyas and fireworks during the festive season only adds to the problem. While the Government of Delhi had reversal of air pollution as an election promise in 2020, so far, the initiatives have been more band-aid fixes and it is apparent that there is no comprehensive strategy.  In any case, air pollution knows no boundaries and the Delhi Government will need to work with the Governments of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and more to reduce emissions at the source, in the entire airshed.  Any reversal of air pollution for this upcoming season looks highly unlikely in the absence of any comprehensive plan. The blog is more of a bugle call to the residents of North India that ‘Winter is Coming.’  Nirvana Being’s range of air purification solutions provide complete protection while you are indoors (Airgle, Mypurmist, Nanotechnology AC Filters, etc.) and outdoors (Airific 2.0 and Nirvana Masks with Nanotechnology, IdMasks, O2 Curve, etc) that help you breathe pure, without compromising your lifestyle.

Wearing a mask outdoors has become the new normal ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. However, one of the common problems that the wearers often face is ventilation. It is necessary to be able to breathe properly as not doing so may lead to other health issues. At the same time, it is also important to make sure that the air you breathe is as clean as possible. While there isn’t much that you can do about the air quality outdoors, you can certainly keep the air in your home or office clean.  Choosing the right mask Picking the right mask goes a long way in ensuring seamless and healthy ventilation. Now, N95 anti pollution mask are proven to be one of the best options from this aspect. With a viral filtration efficiency of more than 96%, these masks offer the best protection. The design of these masks ensures that they would offer very low breathing resistance. However, the nanofiber middle layer in the filter can effectively stop particles from entering.  Why is indoor ventilation important? Despite wearing a mask with low breathing resistance, you cannot eliminate the resistance entirely. Now, being in a stuffy environment can cause breathing difficulties. Stagnant air is likely to have excessive carbon dioxide content, which also makes it unhealthy. Air purifiers and air conditioners require spaces to stay air-tight, which eliminates the scope of ventilation. Some of the ways in which you can ensure adequate indoor ventilation are: Keeping windows open: This is indeed the most common way to ventilate a space. By leaving the windows open, you would be able to let in fresh air constantly. However, this is often impossible, such as in air-conditioned rooms or in places where the outdoor air is too polluted.  Installing Ventimax: This is an innovative mechanical ventilation technology that works by pumping out the stagnant air and bringing in fresh air. It is a great way to avoid the health issues caused by carbon dioxide accumulation indoors. Moreover, the device comes fitted with a HEPA filter. This filters out all the PM 2.5 particles and ensures clean air. Ventimax also prevents polluted air from entering the room by maintaining slightly higher air pressure.  Using Airgle medical air purifiers: Now that you know how to keep the rooms ventilated, you might be interested in keeping the air clean. The Airgle medical air purifiers are quite effective in this aspect. As the name suggests, these offer medical-grade purification and keep the air clean of various pollutants. The Titanium Pro technology used in these purifiers breaks apart viruses, chemicals, organics and bacteria.  Thus, there are ways to keep the rooms in your home or commercial space well-ventilated without compromising on safety. Especially at a time when the coronavirus has become airborne, it is necessary to keep the indoor air sterile. Adequate purification of the air can significantly reduce the risks and ensure a healthy environment. As for masks, it is advisable to wear the ones that offer a viral filtration efficiency of more than 95%.

With the coronavirus ravaging the population all over the globe, masks have become one of the most common tools for protection. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, people have been advised to wear masks to keep themselves safe from the virus. However, a recent study shows that a simple misfit can reduce the effectiveness of a mask significantly. This has made it necessary for everyone to ensure that the masks they wear fit properly.   An understanding of why fitting is necessary? The way a mask functions is quite simple. It filters the air before it reaches your nose or mouth. In case of N95 pollution mask, the air does not even pass through the body of the mask. Instead, the air passes through the respirator attached to the mask and undergoes filtration in the process. Now, if a mask does not fit well, it would leave a gap between the mask and your skin.  As long as such a gap exists, particles in the air can easily slip in and out without undergoing the filtration process. This implies that you could potentially inhale the virus or release it into the air in case you are already infected. The mask plays a crucial role in protecting you as well as the others and so does the fitting.   How can you check if your mask fits properly? Now, even a slight misfit can potentially open up a gap. It might seem difficult to find such small gaps. However, here are a few ways in which you may go about it: Warm air: Unless there is a gap between the mask and your face, the air you breath out should pass through the front of the mask. Place your hands over it and check if warm air is exiting through the mask.  Airflow: You may cup your hands around the edges of the mask to feel for any airflow exiting through there. This is typically a problem for people with smaller facial profiles.  Smell: Try to smell something that has a strong scent while wearing the mask. If the mask has enough layers and fits properly, you would get either a very faint smell or no smell at all.  Other than the ways mentioned above, you may also try to observe whether the material of your mask moves in and out as you breathe. You should be able to feel warm air against your skin inside the mask if it fits properly.   How should a mask ideally fit? Air should not be able to enter or exit from the sides of your nose and the cheeks. Make sure that the air you breathe always enters through the filtration system only. Usually, it is around the curvature of the cheekbones that gaps appear. To ensure that your mask fits around the cheekbones and nose, you may use a mask fitter or wear a mask with a nose band.   Individuals often underestimate the importance of how well a mask fits them. A recent study showed that the fitting is more important than the material of the mask. Unless your mask fits you properly, you would always be at the risk of getting infected.

  With air pollution rising in most of the metro cities in India, most urban citizens have been using face masks and other protective gear. Now, that you can check India’s air quality index regularly, it would be easier to evaluate the extent of pollution. Many office-goers have already purchased face masks and air purifiers to shield them from contaminants. If you are not familiar with AQI (Air Quality Index), let’s understand what it actually is. The ministry of environment and forests, in an attempt to reveal the amount of pollutants in air in real time, has launched the AQI. This knowledge will make the people conscious about the contaminants they are exposed to. Considering the probable adverse impact on health, the citizens can buy masks and other necessary gears.   Understanding the air quality index in India Apart from the general air pollutants, the government has added some new components to the list, while assessing the quality of air. These include ozone, lead, ammonia, carbon monoxide and particulate matter 2.5. Some of the other pollutants include PM 10, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Depending on the presence of these contaminants in the air, it can be classified into six groups. These are severe, very poor, poor, moderately polluted, satisfactory and good. Most of the metropolitans in India are not under the cover of this index. Besides, the government has also come up with a mechanism to know the air quality in most of the state capitals. There is a scope for indoor air quality monitor as well in the cities. What is particulate matter and how to protect yourself from them? Particulate matter, also termed PM or particulate pollution, is actually a complex mixture consisting of liquid droplets and small particles. Several components make up particulate matter, including acids, sulfates, nitrates, soil, metals, organic chemicals and dust particles. Knowing that India’s air quality index is poor, as they contain these contaminants, it is advisable to wear face masks. N95 masks are the most effective to combat urban pollution. However, you have other variants of face masks as well, designed for special purposes. In case you are purchasing a face mask, make sure to get a branded mask from one of the reputed online portals. In this regard, you should be knowing that particulate matter comes in different sizes and shapes. These particles may be categorized into two broad groups. The bigger ones are known as PM10, while the smaller ones are termed PM 2.5. The big particles may be up to 25 times thinner than hair. The adverse effect on health caused by such particles is less severe. The smaller ones can be up to 100 times thinner than hair, and are more harmful when you inhale them. Protecting yourself from particulate matter Wearing face masks happen to be the most viable remedy to combat air pollution in India. Particularly, if you reside in one of the metro cities, you need to buy quality face masks. Installing air purifiers in your car can also enhance the air quality substantially. In any case, it is advisable to purchase branded products from the trusted portals online.

Higher pollution levels lead to a higher risk of lung infections and other respiratory diseases. Sometimes these diseases might turn into chronic ailments requiring precautions to be taken throughout life. For the elderly, very high levels of pollution can be extremely detrimental.  Since pollution has become an integral part of our lives now, it is best to take precautions. Wearing an anti-pollution mask before stepping out of the house is a very effective option. However, when we visit a face mask shop near me, the number of face mask options available can be very confusing. Whether you want to buy N99 mask, N95 mask, or cloth mask, it can be quite baffling at times. Consequently, it is best to understand which mask best suits our needs before stepping out to procure one.  Naming of the mask The most popularly used masks include the N95, N99. Many of us would be wondering why masks are named using a number and a symbol. There is a scientific reason for the same. The number denotes the percentage of filtration for particles that are either .3microns or above in size. For example, the N95 mask can filter out 95% of all particles including minute particles, mites, fumes, droplets etc. Similarly, when you buy N99 mask, the percentage of filtration is 99%.  The symbol “N” has not been randomly chosen but is a letter class of Respiratory rating. It denotes that these masks only filter out non-oil particles. So if you are living in an area that has a higher amount of oil pollutants, it is best to opt for masks that contain the alphabets: R meaning that they remain resistant to oils particles for 8 hours at a stretch or P meaning that the masks are oil-proof  Benefits of Using N99 Masks You must buy N99 mask for combating pollution and get the following benefits. Filtration: As mentioned earlier, the N99 filters out 99% of pollutant. This makes it very effective to use especially in areas that experience high pollution levels.  Washability: N99 masks are reusable as they can be washed after use to remove dirt and dust from them. However, since different companies add variations to the basic design, the washability of the masks might also vary. Some masks can be washed after removing the N99 filter while others washed directly. Meanwhile, N99 mask without valve is relatively easier to wash and maintain. Thus, when you go to a face mask shop near me, you should always understand these aspects well before buying.   Presence of valves: With masks with valves, you can breathe easily. When air is inhaled, it passes through the different layers especially the N99 filter of the mask thereby ensuring their proper filtration. However, when air is exhaled, it goes out through the valves. Since the exhaled air contains more carbon-di-oxide, when using masks without respiratory valves, you might feel giddy after come time. Thus if you need to wear the mask for longer periods, it is best to opt for the N99 masks. Material: Generally, you must buy N99 mask with materials that offer effective filtration, such as non-woven, electrostatic polypropylene fibre. Cleaning of the N99 mask valve Generally, to clean the valves, you need to follow the instructions mentioned on the mask packet. However, you should take care to clean the valves gently to avoid filter damage. To retain the usability of the mask for longer durations, it is best to pat the mask gently or use a soft brush to removed trapped dust and dirt from the valves. Another best alternative is to get an N99 mask without valve. As the name implies, the N99 mask without valve comes with same N99 filter but lacks a valve. This way, you save your time and risk of cleaning or damaging the valves.  Disadvantages of N99 mask These masks are not recommended for people who are already suffering from a breathing disorder. When using the n99 mask, you might experience some resistance to breathing. While the introduction of valves makes it easy to some extent, still if you have COPD or asthma, you should not opt for this mask.  Overall, when you buy N99 mask, make sure it has the N99 filter which efficiently filters the air helping breath cleaner than ever.

Air pollution has become a reality that we all have to live with. We just can’t wish it away nor can we avoid it. After all how long can you remain locked in your home or office? Air pollution is not restricted to outdoor air pollution, indoor air is just as bad as outdoor AQI. Indeed it is next to impossible to imagine a life that is completely restricted to indoors, even if we purify our indoor environment. The situation becomes worse in winters when heavy air hangs low and enters our lungs, which is why we must protect ourselves. The only option we have is to wear mask to protect from air pollution. As the awareness about the ill effects of pollution is rising (did I tell you that high PM 2.5 levels can cause serious chronic ailments like heart and lung problems, kidney and liver malfunction and even cancer in the long run) many companies are coming into the market selling pollution masks. No doubt these pollution masks work especially if you have to remain in heavily polluted areas or commute through congested roads but not all of them give an equal amount of protection. Some work well while others don’t. So which one should you go for is a million dollar question. The two popular certifications for respirator masks are N99 pollution masks and N95 pollution masks. So which one should you buy? The number refers to the percentage of polluted PM2.5 that the mask can filter out. The N95 mask filters out 95% of dust and particulates. The N99 masks will filter out slightly more (4% to be precise) polluted particles but N95 pollution mask offers 50% lesser breathing resistance than N99 filter mask. It means you can wear the N95 mask for longer duration without feeling suffocated. If you’re in an area with poor air quality levels, wearing an N95 pollution mask is the best way to protect your lungs and overall health. Built to filter out dangerous particles, the N95 anti-pollution mask is a better way to breathe clean air and stay healthy.   They are better than the N99 pollution masks as N99 respirator mask makes breathing a bit difficult. So people over 60, pregnant ladies and children are advised to wear the N95 anti-pollution masks. Many health providers recommend highly efficient N95 filter class especially for those mask wearers who are young, active or have impaired lung function. Here is a word of caution, if you have a respiratory or cardiac condition, N99 anti pollution masks can make it more difficult to breathe. If you have any of the following conditions then N95 pollution mask would be a better choice:   Breathing problems Emphysema Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Asthma Cardio-pulmonary problems All in all, this blog must have cleared your confusion about getting either of the N95 or the N99 respirator mask. As most of us looking for a good mask to avoid pollution, the N95 pollution mask is the best choice. In contrary to the N99 anti-pollution mask, the N95 offers better longevity and breathability in day-to-day conditions. Buy Now

As we know, India’s air quality index has been worsening due to increasing industrialisation and deforestation in many regions. In an attempt to make air quality measurement easier to understand, the ministry of environment and forests launched a National Air Quality Index (AQI). Air quality index of India will put out real time data about level of pollutants in the air and inform people about possible impacts on health. Government have added five more components to the new measurement process of AQI in India: Particulate Matter 2.5, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and index classifies air quality of india simply as good, satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor, and severe. Each band is represented by a colour code to visually express the level of severity that people can grasp easily.  The lead In India, air quality index will cover AQI of Indian cities like Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Faridabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The index will be later expanded to 46 more cities having a population of more than one million, besides 20 state capitals  Eight pollutant have been taken into account to calculate AQI in Indian cities.   Nitrogen oxide Sulpher dioxide PM2.5 PM 10 Ozone Carbon monoxide Ammonia Lead What is Air Quality Index India? The AQI in India has been developed by the Central Pollution Control Board in consultation with IIT-Kanpur and an expert group comprising medical, air-quality professionals and other stakeholders.To understand what is air quality index India, we need to know about particulate matter. They are Also known as particle pollution or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. They can come in almost any shape or size, and can be solid particles or liquid droplets. While analysing India’s air quality index, we divide particles into two major groups. These groups differ in many ways. One of the differences is size, we call the bigger particles PM10 and we call the smaller particles PM2.5. BIG. The concentration of these particles in the air of different cities determines the air quality index of India. The big particles are between 2.5 and 10 micrometers (from about 25 to 100 times thinner than a human hair). These particles are called PM10 (we say "P M ten", which stands for Particulate Matter up to 10 micrometers in size). These particles cause less severe health effects. SMALL. The small particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers (100 times thinner than a human hair). These particles are called PM2.5 (we say "P M two point five", as in Particulate Matter up to 2.5 micrometers in size). Here is a little guide about these particles and how they influence the air quality index of India. Particulate Matter and Air Quality Index in India: The PM2.5 is particularly dangerous and can cause adverse health effects owing to its greater penetrability into the human respiratory system and eventual accumulation in human organs and blood. Rural women, children and elderly population are more prone to diseases caused by air pollution. Rural women, in particular, face a greater risk from indoor pollution — locally made mud stoves fuelled by solid biofuel emit a far greater amount of finer particulate matter. India’s air quality index depends on the different area’s local emissions, long-range transport, local and regional weather patterns, and to some extent the topography of the region. Due to increased buoyancy and efficient ventilation in summer, pollution plumes rise effortlessly to the free atmosphere. This leads to a reduced level of surface level PM2.5 concentration in our breathing zone. The problem gets aggravated during winter that worsens the air quality index in India. Adverse conditions during winter help trapping of pollution leading to elevated level of surface PM concentration. Compared with peninsular India and coastal regions, the situation is far worse in the Gangetic Basin, especially during winter months. The Himalayas act as a barrier to dissipation of pollution plumes emanating from the cities located in the Basin. As a result, AQI of Indian cities in the Basin are more prone to sustained bad air quality While the National Air Quality index in India has created greater awareness of air pollution amongst the masses, there is a need for more concrete action to reverse air pollution. Overall, the air quality index of India is an important parameter to measure the extent of pollution across the country due to rapid industrialization.