New Delhi, November 22 (IANS). Pollution levels are continuously increasing in Delhi and surrounding areas, which is having a serious impact on the health of the citizens. The use of masks has increased to avoid air pollution, but wearing masks for a long time can cause many health problems. In this regard, IANS had a special conversation with Dr. Meera Pathak, Senior Medical Officer and Gynecology specialist of CHC Bhangel, Noida.
Dr. Meera Pathak said that if we are using masks for protection from air pollution, then we should choose the right mask. N95, N99 or KN99 masks with filters are the most effective at protecting against pollution. He said that surgical masks prove to be useless to avoid pollution, because they are not able to completely block pollution particles.
Dr. Pathak further said that using the mask for a long time can cause difficulty in breathing. He said that if the mask is too tight, it can cause difficulty in breathing. Especially those people who are already suffering from respiratory problems or heart disease. Additionally, if the mask is too loose, it may not filter the air properly and give a false sense of security.
He said that if you keep wearing the mask for a long time, the straps of the mask can cause pressure marks on the face and irritation in the ears. Along with this, continuous use of mask can cause rashes on the face due to sweat and heat, which is called ‘maskne’.
Dr. Meera Pathak further said that if the mask is not changed on time, it can become a source of infection. He suggested that the mask should be changed between 20 to 40 hours, so that infection can be avoided. Apart from this, he said that some people who have mental problems, who are prone to nervousness, may feel anxiety after wearing the mask. He may feel claustrophobic.
During pollution, people are often seen tying handkerchiefs on their faces. On this, Dr. Pathak said that tying a handkerchief does not make much difference in protection from pollution. Pollutants are in the form of gases, which enter the body even after wearing a handkerchief. At the same time, particulate matter like PM 2.5, which is very fine, cannot be stopped by handkerchiefs. He told that the size of PM 2.5 is 30 times smaller than a human hair and these pollutants can directly reach the lungs through breath and can also enter the bloodstream, which can have serious effects on health.
Dr. Meera Pathak specifically warned about PM 2.5. He said that these pollutant particles are not only dangerous for the lungs, but they can also cause cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. Excessive exposure to PM 2.5 can cause serious health problems in the body.
–IANS
PSK/AS
