Wearing a mask is something we can do to protect ourselves and others — but it’s not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic; wearing a mask year-round has many health benefits. While many people focus on protecting against airborne viruses, there are additional important reasons to wear masks that are often overlooked.
India faces a significant burden of tuberculosis (TB) cases, partly due to the dense population in urban areas. To prevent respiratory infections, the use of masks has proven to be highly beneficial. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was observed that the use of masks not only curbed the spread of COVID-19 but also significantly reduced the number of tuberculosis cases.
Types of Masks:
- Surgical Masks: These masks are mainly designed to protect others from respiratory droplets that we may release when speaking, coughing, or sneezing. They are typically used in clinical settings to prevent the spread of infections, but they also help filter out larger airborne particles, including dust and pollen.
- N95 and N99 Masks: N95 and N99 masks are more specialized and offer a higher level of protection. They filter out at least 95% (N95) or 99% (N99) of airborne particles, including bacteria, viruses, and fine particulate matter such as dust, smoke, and pollution. These masks are required in high-risk environments such as healthcare settings or during high pollution periods.
- Cloth Masks: Cloth masks offer a simple and sustainable option for daily use. They are effective in preventing larger droplets from reaching others and provide a level of protection against pollution. Multiple layers of fabric can improve their efficacy in filtering pollutants.
Benefits of Masks:
Masks have become a crucial tool in protecting ourselves and others from the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here are the key benefits of wearing masks:
- Prevention of Virus Transmission: Masks help reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets that can include viruses when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Protection for the Wearer: Wearing a mask can protect the wearer from inhaling toxic particles, including viruses and bacteria, especially in crowded places.
- Community Safety: Masks contribute to the overall safety of communities by preventing outbreaks and helping maintain public health.
- Prevents the Spread of Germs: Masks act as a barrier to control respiratory droplets from reaching others, reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria.
- Reduces the Risk of Infection: Masks provide an additional layer of defense against airborne particles, helping to lower the chance of infection in crowded or high-risk environments.
- Enhanced Hygiene: Masks serve as a reminder to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and social distancing.
- Protection Against Pollution: Masks offer a layer of protection against harmful pollutants, allergens, and particulate matter present in the air. This is especially beneficial in urban areas with high pollution levels, helping to lower respiratory issues and protect against conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Effects of Pollution On Our Health:
Pollution, including smoke, dust, chemicals, and allergens, has severe effects on health. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to discomfort and health problems such as:
- Respiratory problems: Pollutants like PM2.5 particles can penetrate the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Prolonged exposure to polluted air raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes by damaging blood vessels.
- Skin issues: Pollution can cause skin allergies, early aging, and other dermatological problems.
- Digestive Issues: Inhalation of polluted air can also affect the digestive system, causing issues like indigestion and acid reflux.
- Cognitive Impairment: Studies have shown that long-term exposure to pollution can impact cognitive function and improve the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
How Pollution Can Be Avoided?
For school-going children who are prone to respiratory illnesses, parents and schools should encourage the regular use of masks. This simple practice can greatly reduce the risk of infections and provide much-needed relief to children suffering from chronic respiratory conditions.
To avoid these health risks, consider the following tips:
- Use appropriate masks: Depending on your environment, choose an N95, N99, or a cloth mask to filter out harmful particles.
- Limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours: Particularly in areas with heavy traffic or industrial activities.
- Keep indoors clean: Regularly clean indoor areas to reduce the accumulation of dust and allergens.
- Diet and lifestyle: An Ayurvedic approach involves consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods to boost immunity and purify the body of toxins.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking sufficient quantity of water aids flush out toxins from the body, helping in the reduction of pollution effects.
How to Choose the Right Mask?
- For daily use: A cloth mask is sufficient if you’re in an area with moderate pollution. But beware — it has limitations, and you should not rely solely on it for high exposure.
- For high-risk environments: N95 masks are a better option for protection against fine particulate matter and toxic gases.
- For specific needs: Surgical masks can be used in controlled environments for limited periods, or coupled with other preventive measures such as hygiene of hands and physical distancing.
Such simple measures, like wearing a mask, can effectively reduce the recurrence of infections caused by pollution. This can, in turn, minimize the need for prolonged antibiotic treatments. Masks serve as a practical and low-cost solution for managing pollution-related respiratory conditions, ensuring better health and fewer complications.
Importance for Outdoor Workers:
For individuals who work on the road—drivers, passengers, traffic police,delivery personnel, and construction workers—wearing a mask is essential. These professionals are regularly exposed to high levels of pollution. They need a mask that offers robust protection against pollutants and particulate matter. An N95 or N99 mask is highly recommended, as it provides maximum filtration efficiency. Additionally, cloth masks can be used as a supplementary protective measure to boost respiratory health and overall well-being.
A Case Study: Allergic Rhinitis and Mask Use
One notable experience highlights the importance of masks. A patient had been suffering from allergic rhinitis for 5–10 years without finding relief. Ayurvedic medications were prescribed along with a recommendation to use a mask regularly. After some time, the patient returned to the clinic, accompanied by another patient. When asked about his condition, he happily reported feeling completely cured. He credited regular mask use for alleviating his persistent allergy symptoms.
By understanding the benefits of different types of masks and taking steps to minimize exposure to pollution, we can protect ourselves from serious health problems and ensure a healthier lifestyle, no matter how good we eat and drink.
For more information on how to protect yourself from pollution and the benefits of Ayurvedic treatments in enhancing your body’s natural defenses, visit Dr. Manoj Deshpande at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ today.