Air pollution is one of the leading cause of deaths worldwide. As per NASA, in the US alone, air pollution is responsible for nearly 88,400 premature deaths annually. The inhalation of these air pollutants damage the air passage way and thus cause inflammation. In addition, the existing lung disorders are also worsened. As a protective measure, the use of N95 respirators is recommended. But people are often confused about when to wear N95 masks?
The health administration recommends wearing N95 masks to tackle air pollution
In this article, let us learn about what air quality index is and when to wear N95 masks if you are living in a high-risk area.
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
Air quality index or AQI is a measure of how polluted the air is. Air quality indices are given by the government agencies dealing with constant analysis of the atmosphere. While learning when to wear N95 masks, keep in mind that the more the air pollution, the higher will be the value of air quality index. As a result, the risk to public health also elevates.
Categories of Air Quality Indices
The following table highlights the level of air quality index values along with their categories as reported by the American Lung Association:
| Air Quality Index | Color | Category | Health Advice |
| 0 to 50 |  | Good | None |
| 51 to 100 |  | Moderate | People sensitive to air pollution should avoid or limit strenuous outdoor activities |
| 101 to 150 |  | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | People sensitive to air pollution including children, active adults, and individuals with respiratory diseases should avoid or limit strenuous outdoor activities |
| 151 to 200 |  | Unhealthy | People sensitive to air pollution including children, active adults, and individuals with respiratory diseases should avoid strenuous outdoor activities while everyone else should limit prolonged exposure |
| 201 to 300 |  | Very Unhealthy | People sensitive to air pollution including children, active adults, and individuals with respiratory diseases should avoid strenuous outdoor activities while everyone else should limit exposure |
| 301 to 500 |  | Hazardous | Everyone should avoid all outdoor activities |
How Is AQI Estimated?
To find out what air quality index is in an area, the levels of ground-level ozone as well as particle pollutants are estimated. While learning when to wear N95 masks, keep in mind that these pollutants are inclusive of smoke and particulate matter (PM). PM is further divided into categories based on the sizes of the particles. For instance, two important PM values are of PM10 and PM2.5.
PM10 indicates particles that are less than 10 microns in size while PM2.5 has a size of not more than 2.5 micron. These two are essential to estimate for AQI because their contribution to pollution is much higher as compared to the particles with larger diameters.
Apart from these two, the levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, as well as nitrogen dioxide are also essential to measure.
Air quality indices along with the level of health hazard they cause
Hazardous Effects of Air Pollutants
While learning when to wear N95 masks, it is good to learn about the common air pollutants. These pollutants that significantly decrease the quality of air affect our health in the following ways:
| Air Pollutant | Negative Effects on Human Health |
| PM2.5 | Heart attack Irregular heartbeat Asthma Decreased lung function Cough Breathing difficulties |
| PM10 | High blood pressure Cough Wheezing Difficulty in breathing Bronchitis Runny nose Stinging eyes |
| Ozone (O3) | Shortness of breath Cough Inflammation of the airway passage Aggravation of existing lung disorders like asthma and COPD |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | Irritation of the air passageway |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | Worsening of respiratory conditions like asthma, etc. Heart diseases Airway inflammation Chest tightness Bronchitis |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | Headache Dizziness Difficulty in breathing Restlessness Elevated blood pressure |
What is N95?
N95 is a face mask or respirator that is employed for protection against the pollutants in the air. The product provides a close facial fit and thus effectively protects the wearer from the airborne particles. The seal fit design around the nose and mouth also ensures maximum coverage. While learning when to wear N95 masks, keep in mind that the N95 respirators are regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
N95 and Poor Air Quality Index
As the N95 respirators are capable of filtering out even the smallest particles, these are often recommended for use when the AQI is extremely high. The following factors make them highly suitable for the job and should be focused on while learning when to wear N95 masks:
- N95 masks can trap and prevent particles of sizes 0.3 microns and above from getting inhaled.
- N95 respirators are effective against PM10 and PM2.5.
- N95 respirators can trap pollen, viruses, bacteria, mold spores, as well as household dust from entering the air passageway.
- The efficiency of an N95 respirator is up to 95% and should be kept in mind while learning when to wear N95 masks.
- N95 respirators can be employed against toxic gases when combined with activated charcoal.
Masks as mandatory tools for public and health care workers as per the respiratory protection program
When to Wear N95 Masks?
If you are wondering when to wear N95 masks, the following instructions should be kept in mind:
High-Risk Areas
If you live in an area where the air quality index often reaches the hazardous level, it is advised to wear an N95 respirator.
High-Risk Group
If you fall among the vulnerable group i.e. among people who are more likely to get affected by air pollutants, it is best to wear an N95 respirator. While learning when to wear N95 masks, it is important to know that this high-risk group includes children, the elderly, and people having respiratory disorders.
Good to Know
If you are learning when to wear N95 masks, remember to keep the following in mind:
- If you have cardiac or respiratory disorders, it is best to consult your healthcare provider before using an N95 respirator. This is because the respirator can render breathing difficult for the wearer.
- Some N95 respirators come with an exhalation valve. This helps the exhaled air to move out of the mask thus the chances of heat buildup are lessened. However, such masks do not remain sterile and can therefore not protect against viruses and bacteria.
- N95 masks have been designed for adults but are not suitable for children as they cannot provide a tighter fit in them.
- N95 respirators cannot be worn properly by people with facial hair/beard. As a result, the level of protection is compromised.
N95 masks with ear loops or head straps ensure snug-fitting
N95 Masks and Other Respirators at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Using an N95 respirator is essential if you live in areas most affected by air pollution. In addition, children, the elderly, as well as those who have an existing respiratory disorder must wear a mask to prevent the condition from aggravating.
Learning when to wear N95 masks is easy and can be done quickly. Considering how important it is to don a respirator, different kinds of masks are manufactured and marketed by different companies are available in the market. Some of these respirators are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
3M Aura 9205+ N95 Respirator Mask – NIOSH Approved, Flat Fold, Lightweight
3M Aura 9205+ N95 Respirator Mask – NIOSH Approved, Flat Fold, Lightweight
US$5.88 to $83.88
Product Details
3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator mask is a NIOSH-approved, flat-fold product that is a lightweight option. It is ideal for reducing the intake of particulate matter as well as airborne biological entities like bacteria and viruses. The product also has a chin tab that eases donning, positioning, as well as adjustment.
Each piece of 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks come individually packed. While learning when to wear N95 masks, keep in mind that despite being approved by the NIOSH, the product is still to get an approval from the FDA.
These 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks are currently on sale at Health Supply 770 with up to 51% price reduction. Hurry up to place an order.
Moldex 1510 N95 Healthcare Respirator & Surgical Mask for Health and Occupational Safety (20/Box)
Moldex 1510 N95 Healthcare Respirator & Surgical Mask for Health and Occupational Safety (20/Box)
US$19.88
Product Details
Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical mask for health and occupational safety is a product known for meeting the guidelines presented by the CDC. The product has been claimed to protect against tuberculosis with high efficiency. These Moldex N95 masks are available in 5 colors and are free from natural rubber latex. That’s why, these do not irritate the skin when worn for longer durations.
These Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks have high ASTM level of fluid resistance i.e. up to 160 mm Hg. Moreover, the bacterial filter efficiency is higher than 99.9%. While learning when to wear N95 masks, remember that these are also NIOSH certified. The Softspun lining of the mask makes it soft and comfortable. The face piece is also naturally contoured so that it does not put too much pressure on the skin.
3M 8511 Particulate Disposable Respirator, N95, Pack of 80
8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160
US$39.88 to $154.88
Product Details
3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators are a product of 3M and have a filtration efficiency of up to 95%. These are ideal against non-oil-based particles like dust, airborne allergens, etc. The cool flow valve system reduces the heat and humidity buildup inside the product while it is being worn.
The M-nose clip of the product is easily adjustable and does not apply much pressure to the skin. In addition, braided headbands are also attached along with the dual-point attachment to ensure a snug fitting. While learning when to wear N95 masks, it is good to know that the product also contains highly charged microfibers to make breathing easier.
8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160
8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160
US$178.49
Product Details
8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are the respirators that prevent particulate matter from getting into your lungs. These come in white and have a filtration efficiency of at least 95%. Their two-strap design allows a secure fit as the product also has a welded dual-point attachment. The cushioning around the nose has been achieved with a foam-based design.
Moreover, while learning when to wear N95 masks, keep in mind that these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are also lightweight and thus positively impact the wear time. Furthermore, their advanced electrostatic media has been designed to ease the process of breathing.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Living in a high-risk area makes it compulsory for people to use N95 respirators
The N95 respirators mentioned in this article while learning when to wear N95 masks, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of products for protection against air pollution.
Conclusion
With the rise of industries and businesses, the world has also seen an increase in the air pollution levels in the past decades. This polluted air is responsible for several disorders most of which affect lungs. As a preventive measure, the use of N95 respirators has been recommended to individuals who are residing in highly polluted regions.
If you are wondering when to wear N95 masks, keep in mind that whenever you feel suffocated in the air with reduced outdoor visibility, it is best to wear a respirator. Owing to their effectiveness in trapping smaller particles with high efficiency, the N95 respirators should be kept at home to deal with seasons that come with a surge in air pollution.
For purchasing different kinds of N95 and other respirators, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/air-quality-index
https://airquality.gsfc.nasa.gov/health
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
