Within the highly effective air pollution mask has been shown to help reduce the chance of exposure to atmospheric degrees of fine particulate matter, or PM2. 5, and other airborne particles, decreasing the chance associated with illness and passing away related to air pollution. A 2018 study in China suggested that masks with filtration equivalent to N95, KN95 or FFP2 were most effective for blocking PM2. 5 plus diesel soot.
Though medical face masks, more commonly and comfortably utilized, are less effective filters, research shows that these still assist to reduce the amount of dangerous particulates breathed in.
But what arrives next? Pre-pandemic, couple of Jakarta residents used a mask frequently despite the poor quality from the air. A popular ride-hailing operation in Philippines used to distribute a face mask to the people who used the motor taxi program.
This is as opposed to people in major Asian cities that are no strangers to wearing mask s , one of the reasons for which bei ng air pollution. Within Japan, for example , individuals have worn a nose and mouth mask in 1950s being a protection against rising air pollution. In Vietnam, face mask s are since common as helmets for motorcycles and scooters on the roads of Hanoi .
MASKS ARE CERTAINLY NOT THE SOLUTION TO SMOG WOES
Masks are a salve, not a cure for Jakarta’s air pollution troubles.
A dangerous level of pollution, more than 20 million motor vehicles and cigarette smoking an integral part of daily life for most, could be a lethal combination. So while recommending residents to continue putting on masks is a right move, tackling the issue of air pollution more seriously should be a priority for the city govt.