Delhi air pollution: Pollution protection masks not very helpful, says AIIMS doctor

Every year during winters, the National Capital Region turns into a gas chamber as the air quality drops down to “extremely poor” level. Sadly, the whole air pollution debate goes for a toss as soon as the winter season ends and this outrage doesn't make a comeback until the next season.
The worse part? With the onset of the cold season, the air pollution levels will only go up.Reportedly, this year the air quality nosedived after firecrackers were burst for Dussehra celebrations all around the country. This is the reason Supreme Court had temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers last year near Diwali.
It is not only the firecrackers that are to be solely blamed for the toxic air as stubble burning by farmers around Delhi adds to the woes. In fact, the Delhi government had recently put up a set of emergency rules to keep a check on the air pollution levels, including the closing of Badarpur thermal because of its contribution to the city pollution.
While the heavily polluted Beijing has already started taking measures to turn the pollution clock back, the authorities in India seem to have done very little to fight for cleaner air.
Speaking to Times of India, Dr Karan Madan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) threw light on what exactly needs to be done in order to tackle the toxic air quality in India.
When asked about the preemptive measures, he said, "The important agenda in the long-term needs to be the reduction of emission of air pollution from the source itself, be it vehicular source or construction source. Staying indoors is not a solution as we all have to go out and get our chores done."
The most vulnerable group
Dr Madan stressed, "Patients with known respiratory diseases including asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), bronchitis etc. and small children are more susceptible to the side-effects of air pollution."
Don’t exert yourself while outdoors
Dr Madan also emphasized that when the air pollution levels are extremely high, small children and those with respiratory disease are strictly advised to avoid exertion, especially when they are outdoors.
Are air purifiers effective?
"It must be kept in mind that air purifiers are effective only when it is operated in a completely closed room i.e. it needs a closed space to work properly. If you switch on the air purifier and one of the windows of the room is ajar, your air purifier will be completely ineffective. It is simply not a long-term solution. While it might not be an ideal solution for the majority of the population but those who tend to develop symptoms due to air pollution every year could consider using air purifiers. "
How to battle indoor pollution?
"It is important to keep in mind that outdoor pollution levels can sometimes very closely mimic indoor pollution levels. If the pollution levels are high outside, most of the times it will be high indoors too. Hence, it is very difficult to prevent ourselves from getting exposed to air pollution. In fact, those who are asthmatic might even show symptoms to the vapours while cooking oily dishes.
Surprisingly, burning biomass (wood and cow dung) is one of the most common causes of indoor pollution which results in incredibly high levels of air pollution."
How effective are the pollution protection masks?
"Masks are only going to be effective if they are completely sealed. If there is even a slight air leak in the mask, there is absolutely no way to tell if you are breathing clean air or not. Also, the high-efficiency particulate mask put a lot of strain on your breathing if you wear it while jogging or doing heavy exercises. So, they are clearly not a long-term solution as it is nearly impossible to wear them all the time. Hence, while these masks look perfect in theory, there is no way to tell how effective they are in practical usage," said Dr Madan.
Has Delhi become officially unlivable?
Expressing his concern over the high levels of air pollution in the national capital, Dr Madan said, " The levels of air pollution in Delhi is extremely bad for health and it has started to affect all the body parts. The long-term effects on the body will actually come to fore years later. This basically means we have to do everything possible to bring the pollution level down."
The bottom line
“Sadly, the strategies we have right now are practically not very effective-- be it the air purifier or the masks--which is why in the long run, it is important to curb the menace rather than finding temporary solutions,” the AIIMS doctor said.
So, if packing your bags and leaving for Bali till the time air pollution doesn't settle down is not an option, here are a few ways in which you can safeguard yourself from this toxic air.
1. Always keep a check on the pollution level
As a rule of thumb always make sure to check the pollution level before stepping out of your home. Especially, if you are living in a highly polluted city like Delhi it becomes essential to keep yourself updated on the air quality reports.
2. Download apps to check the air pollution level
Now is the time to put that smartphone to a good use. There are several apps available that can help you check the air pollution levels. Download one right away to measure pollutant levels no matter where you are and stay informed.
3. Avoid going outside in mornings and evenings
Till the time the air pollution levels get back to normalcy, it is strongly advised that you ditch that morning and even walk routine. This is because the air pollution level is recorded to be highest during the morning and evening, hence the more active you are during this time, the more polluted air you breathe.
4. Start wearing anti-pollution masks
Sorry to burst your bubble but covering your nose and mouth with a stole is not doing you any good. In fact, even those flimsy surgical masks that you get at dirt cheap prices from a medical store is not enough. Hence, if you really want to protect your lungs from being introduced to harmful particles in the air, you better invest in heavy-duty respirators.
Here is how you can choose the best anti-pollution mask
5. Install air purifiers
We pay so much attention to the outdoor pollution and fumes coming out of the cars that we often forget that indoor pollution is actually worse. Since we spend most of the time indoors, it is smart to invest in an air purifier.
Keep in mind that you will need to replace the filter as per the recommendations of the air purifier and keep the room sealed while using it.