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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.

The need to wear a face mask is even more important now than it was before. The mask offers protection against the rising air pollution and the ongoing corona virus pandemic. With the kids still too young to be vaccinated against the pandemic, the mask is the best option they have to protect themselves when they go out.  Staying back at home will protect the kids against both and hence going out with kids should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. When it becomes mandatory for kids to go out of their homes, they should wear N95 masks for kids.  How the mask works Usually, pollution spreads in the form of gaseous particles and suspended particulates generally known as PM2.5 and PM10. The COVID19 virus spreads in the form of respiratory droplets produced when people talk, sing, sneeze, or cough. Since people can be asymptomatic yet have the capability to spread the contagion, any person who does not wear a mask is a threat to himself and the community as a whole. Masks work by not allowing the contagion and pollutants from entering the human body through the nose and mouth. It also prevents the contagion from spreading in the air and infecting others. However, to ensure maximum protection, the mask should be worn properly so that it fits snugly around the mouth, nose, cheeks, and chin.  Parents of kids should be extra careful in their selection of N95 masks for kids. These masks can filter out 95% of pollutants. They are also recommended as protection against the COVID19 virus. To maximize its preventive qualities, parents should ensure they buy the correct sized masks for their kids. Their mouths and noses should be sealed but care needs to be taken to ensure that they do not face difficulty in breathing or suffer from any other discomfort. When should kids wear masks? While kids must wear an anti pollution mask when they venture outside, they should continue to wear masks in their homes if they are living with a COVID19 infected person. However, the need to wear masks differs from age to age. Some of the recommendations made by UNICEF are: Kids aged 5 and below: Keeping in mind the overall health interests of the child, it is recommended that such kids do not wear masks. But if it becomes necessary for them to wear a mask, parents should constantly keep supervising them. Kids between 6 to 11 years of age: Kids of this age need to wear a mask if: There are several COVID19 cases in the area or if the pollution levels are very high The kids are capable of handling a mask, taking it off, and putting it back on If adult supervision is present to help them put on the mask correctly and also while they are wearing it If kids interact regularly with people with a high risk of developing a health condition like the elderly or people with co-morbidity Kids aged 12 years and above: These kids have to wear the air pollution mask in the same way that adults do. Since kids are vulnerable to sicknesses, they have to be kept safe. Hence, the above recommendations must be followed.

Staying healthy and protecting loved ones from the onslaught of the deadly COVID19 virus is of paramount importance. The mandatory precautionary measures like frequent washing of hands, maintaining social distancing, staying at home, keeping away from gatherings etc., need to be practiced with diligence. Wearing the mask is something that cannot be taken lightly. It is the only way to prevent the spread of the COVID19 infection. The mask puts up a barrier that prevents both the entry and exit of cough droplets thereby breaking the cycle of the infection. While most people adhere to the rules and wear the pollution mask as a mandatory precautionary measure, the kids might find it an uncomfortable practice. But as per guidelines issues by prominent medical boards around the world, all kids above the age of 2 need to wear a mask. They are as susceptible to the infection as an adult is.  COVID mask requirements for kids While it is always better to limit interactions of kids to members of the family only, there might be times when taking them out becomes mandatory. In such instances, they have to wear the mask. Certain things that need to be taken into account when selecting masks for kids are: It should fit perfectly around their face. If the pollution mask is comfortable, kids will not fiddle with it. Masks should have adjustable ties. It is better to choose masks with ties that go around the head since the ones with ties that go behind the ears can be uncomfortable. It is also easier for kids to take off such masks. The presence of a metallic nose bridge helps to keep the mask in place after wearing it. The chosen Covid masks for kids should allow the kids to breathe comfortably.  It should essentially consist of two protective layers. Kids can dispense with the mask only when they are within the 4 walls of their homes. They have to wear the mask at all other times. However, the presence of any COVID infected family member living in isolation within the same home will make it mandatory for kids to wear face masks even at home. To prevent kids from being infected, every parent should take this precautionary measure. It would be prudent to mention here that COVID vaccines for kids have yet to be made. Teaching kids to wear the mask Kids should be taught the basic precautions required when wearing a mask. These include: Washing the hands with soap or using a sanitizer before putting on the mask Wearing the mask properly so that it fits snugly around the chin, cheeks, nose and mouth Not touching the mask front Never pulling down the mask into their mouth or under the chin Storing the mask in a container or a small nag Never sharing Covid masks for kids with others If the child suffers from a developmental disability or a mental health condition, sensory disorder etc., making them wear a mask increases their discomfort. Such children should be essentially kept at home as much as possible. They should have little or no interaction with the outer world.

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.

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.