Living in cities, it’s important to filter air in certain areas at certain times.

If you live in a rural area and your village doesn’t suffer heavy traffic then this problem won’t affect you and masks aren’t needed.

I cycle a lot and live in North London. Main roads have never been busier, and as much as cars seem to burn cleaner fuels (which they do), there are still lots of emissions that cause respiratory problems.

Also particle matter from disk brakes and all kinds of dust from industry, building works etc.

The fact that pollution is less visible has made people less likely to wear pollution masks as they can’t see with the cleaner burning cars, but it’s still there.
I can really notice it and kick myself when I forget my mask.

Many masks aren’t worth buying, with cheap, lightweight filters that offer little to no protection and since COVID-19 there are a lot of really useless masks still around. You would have thought because of COVID masks would have been improved but I reckon the opposite has happened..

You’re best off going with known brands and spending a bit more. The filters will last around 4-6 months, depending on usage and the specific brand.

• Protection from Particulate Matter (PM): Urban air often contains high levels of fine particulate matter, like PM2.5 and PM10, which can penetrate deep into the lungs. A mask can filter out these harmful particles.
• Reduced Inhalation of Toxic Gases: Many facemasks are designed to filter out nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other gases that come from vehicle emissions, reducing the health risks of prolonged exposure.
• Improved Breathing Quality: While cycling, you tend to breathe more deeply. A mask ensures that you’re taking in cleaner air, preventing long-term health effects and improving your overall riding experience.
• Respiratory Health Maintenance: Frequent exposure to pollution without protection will lead to respiratory problems, so a mask helps maintain better respiratory health, i can feel the difference on days I forget my mask.
• Psychological Reassurance: Knowing that you’re reducing your exposure to pollutants can offer peace of mind, leading to a more enjoyable and less stressful running or cycling experience.

Also, masks fitted with HEPA filters are a great way to filter allergens like pollen if you suffer from hay fever, as I do.

• Filtration Efficiency: Look for masks that filter at least PM2.5 particles. N95, N99, and N100 standards are good indicators of high filtration efficiency.
• Fit and Comfort: Ensure the mask fits well and is comfortable to wear for extended periods. Adjustable straps and sizes can help.
• Breathability: Check for masks that balance filtration efficiency with breathability, especially if you plan to wear them while exercising.
• Durability and Maintenance: Consider whether the mask is reusable and how often the filters need to be replaced.
• Certifications: Look for masks that meet relevant standards (e.g., NIOSH, CE) to ensure they have been tested for effectiveness.

PM2.5

• Definition: PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
• Relevance: Masks that are effective against PM2.5 particles can filter out fine dust, pollutants, and allergens. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, making filtration important for respiratory health.

N95

• Standard: N95 is a certification from the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• Filtration Efficiency: At least 95% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 micrometers.
• Use Case: Commonly used in healthcare, construction, and other environments where respiratory protection against particulates is needed. They do not filter out oil-based aerosols.
• Fit: Requires a tight fit to be effective.

N99

• Standard: Also a NIOSH certification.
• Filtration Efficiency: At least 99% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 micrometers.
• Use Case: Used in environments requiring higher filtration efficiency than N95, such as industrial or hazardous materials handling.

N100

• Standard: Another NIOSH certification.
• Filtration Efficiency: At least 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 micrometers.
• Use Case: Provides the highest level of filtration efficiency for non-oil-based particles, suitable for very high-risk environments.