Nature has given us everything that we might need. But our unending demands have made us ask for more and get creative to meet our needs. Though much of our creativity has resulted in a comfortable life, it has negatively affected nature to affect human health negatively.
Air pollution is one such concern which is a direct result of our modern lifestyle. Though the particles that pollute air have different sources, including natural incidents like volcano eruption, emission from industrial activities etc., motor vehicles affects the air quality more than anything.
Air pollution not only adversely affects humans and animals, but it also affects the whole environment, which in turn leads to further damage to human health. The use of pollution control measures and barriers such as anti-pollution masks helps in staying safe from pollutants.
Particle pollutants and their effect
When it comes to air pollution, particle pollutants are a mixture of particles that can cause trouble to the living being and the environment. The size of these pollutants ranges from PM 2.5 to PM 10. These are mostly associated with cardiac and pulmonary-associated mortality and morbidity.
The size of the particle we inhale with the air is related to the onset of the diseases and the progression of heart and lungs ailments. Smaller particles easily reach the lower respiratory tract having the potential to affect the heart and lungs. We need to wear the
best anti pollution mask as a preventive step to keep our lungs safe from the pollutants in the air that we breathe.
Research shows that people with lung or heart diseases can be affected with decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, nonfatal cardiac arrests, cardiac dysrhythmias, and even premature death due to air particle pollution. The severity of the disease depends on the exposure to these pollutants. The clinical symptoms of respiratory infections due to pollutants are breathing problems, dry mouth, coughing and wheezing.
Due to prolonged exposure to particle pollutants, life expectancy might get reduced as diseases like lung cancer and cardiopulmonary conditions are caused by these pollutants. Even children get affected by diseases like COPD and asthmatic bronchitis. Wearing high-quality pollution masks can help us avoid exposure to this particle pollution and keep our lungs and heart healthy.
Ground level ozone
Ozone, a principal constituent of the atmosphere, is a colorless gas. This is present in both the upper atmosphere level as well as the ground level. This GLO or ground-level ozone is a chemical reaction product between VOCs emitted from natural sources and human activities and oxides of nitrogen. As a powerful oxidant, it leads to weakened cellular function by increasing DNA damage. Not only the human body, but O3 or Ozone can cause deforestation by reducing carbon assimilation.
Carbon monoxide
Just like O3, Carbon Monoxide or CO is a colorless gas without any odor. This gas is produced due to the burning of fossil fuel. Mild to severe poisoning can occur depending on the length and concentration of exposure to this gas. The symptoms of CO poisoning include vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, and loss of consciousness. Using
pollution masks may help to stay safe to some extent from CO poisoning.
Sulfur dioxide
This highly reactive colorless gas is one of the most hazardous pollutants. It is a product of industrial and volcanic activity as well as fossil fuel consumption. It is not only harmful to human beings but also animals and plants. Children and older people, especially those suffering from lung disease, may suffer from lung and skin related ailments if exposed to SO2.
Nitrogen dioxide
It is a traffic-related air pollutant as it is emitted from motor vehicle combustion. The risk of respiratory infections increases when one is exposed to this gas. The symptoms are irritation in the throat, nose and eyes, dyspnea, headache, fever, and pulmonary edema.
One of the best anti-pollution masks that ensures greater air filtration is Airific masks, India’s first anti-viral masks. They help filter out airborne particles such as PM 0.3, PM 2.5, PM 10, dust, allergens, germs, odors, scents, and other contaminants, and you breathe a purer air. More importantly, it also provides you with better protection against viruses and bacteria in the air, especially the COVID virus.
