As haze levels continue to rise, masks have become an essential part of daily life. Today, the market is flooded with a wide range of mask products, each claiming to offer dust protection and effective filtration against fine particulate matter like PM2.5. But are these claims accurate? And how can consumers choose the right mask for their needs?
**Test Results:**
The protective performance of masks varies significantly depending on the materials used, and price does not always reflect effectiveness. Recently, the China Consumers Association, in collaboration with consumer associations from five provinces and cities, conducted a comparative study on the protective performance, respiratory resistance, and leakage resistance of various masks available on the market.
According to Pi Xiaolin, deputy director of the consumer guidance department at the China Consumers Association, the test samples were collected from 37 different products across six cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hefei, Chongqing, Ningbo, and Harbin. The masks came from 28 different manufacturers, with prices ranging from as low as 0.58 yuan to as high as 199 yuan per unit.
One key factor tested was the "filter efficiency," which measures how well masks trap particulate matter. Out of the 37 samples, 15 showed good initial filtering performance, making up about 40.5% of the total. Disposable masks generally performed better than replaceable filter masks, while some knitted fabric masks had poor anti-dust performance, only capable of filtering larger particles.
Another important factor in mask effectiveness is how well it fits the face. A poor fit allows unfiltered air to enter through the edges, reducing overall protection. The study found that cup-shaped and foldable disposable masks had much better fit compared to flat or replaceable models. Among the 15 cup-shaped and foldable masks, 12 provided a good facial seal.
Interestingly, the most expensive mask in the test cost 199 yuan, while the cheapest was less than 1 yuan. However, the results showed that higher price did not necessarily mean better protection. In fact, some replaceable filter masks, despite being more costly, offered less protection than standard disposable masks.
**Market Survey:**
The mask market is currently quite chaotic, with many products lacking clear standards or proper labeling. During the survey, some masks had unclear production dates or expiration periods, and there were inconsistencies in the standards they followed. Some masks adhered to Chinese national standards (GB2626-2006), others followed medical standards (GB19083-2003), and some even complied with U.S. NIOSH standards.
On e-commerce platforms, masks are labeled with terms like N90, N95, and 8210, but these labels can be confusing for consumers. Many masks claim to have activated carbon filters or breathing valves, yet the meanings behind these features are often unclear.
Dr. Zhang Hong, deputy chief physician at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, explained that medical protective masks (like N95) are designed to filter out 0.3-micron particles with over 95% efficiency. These masks are tightly sealed around the face and include features like nose clips to prevent air leakage. On the other hand, medical surgical masks are primarily for bacterial protection and are more comfortable for everyday use.
**Expert Advice:**
Dr. Zhang recommends using medical surgical masks during hazy weather. They are more economical, have lower respiratory resistance, and are easier to breathe through. While professional masks like N95 may offer better protection, they are not suitable for everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions or children.
When wearing a mask, it's important to ensure a proper fit. For N95 masks, the nose clip should be adjusted to create a tight seal. For surgical masks, the wire should be pressed against the nose bridge to prevent air leakage. Masks should never be touched when removing them, and replaceable filters should be discarded once contaminated.
In conclusion, while masks are crucial during polluted weather, choosing the right one requires understanding the differences between types and their intended uses. Experts suggest that regulatory bodies should improve standards and increase transparency to help consumers make informed choices.
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