Three-dimensional dust masks can filter PM2.5 particles better than flat ones, National Taiwan University’s (NTU) College of Public Health said.
The announcement came as concentration of PM2.5 — airborne pollutants measuring less than 2.5 micrometers — soared to hazardous levels in several parts of the nation yesterday.
The Environmental Protection Administration’s (EPA) Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network said that PM2.5 concentration levels in Taichung’s Situn (西屯), Chungming (忠明) and Dali (大里) areas reached the highest level on its PM2.5 index — more than 71 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) — and that people should avoid outdoor activities.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
The concentration of pollutants in the air in central Taiwan and Kinmen also reached “high” levels (between 54μg/m3 and 70μg/m3).
At a seminar on PM2.5 prevention yesterday, Chen Chih-chieh (陳志傑), a professor at NTU’s Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene of the College of Public Health, said while disposable flat masks are easy to carry, they have no room for air flow and the rims usually do not fit the face very well, limiting the filtering effect.
In comparison with flat masks, Chen said three-dimensional masks provide better protection against PM2.5, but an important rule in choosing masks is to look for ones that are authorized by accredited health bodies, such as the N95 or the FFP1 masks.
He said an important rule when putting on any mask is to adjust the rims on the top and bottom panels so that they fit snugly on the face, adding that when masks are fitted properly, the person might experience a slight difficulty when breathing.
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