InquilineKea Report post Posted June 1, 2020 (edited) Like, thomas talhem has an amazing blog (and quora answers) on this - there is really no minimum safe dose of pollution, and you can see pollution spikes in even small amounts next to the road (as cars braking causes road dust to go into the air). The plume air quality sensor is great but it still doesn't capture ultrafines, which seem abundant near airports. Coronavirus kind of makes me glad that wearing masks everywhere will probably be forever-destigmatized/un-weird. and american cities generally have air pollution levels below the WHO-I limits, but even then, they often have localized spikes. Edited June 1, 2020 by InquilineKea Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mccoy Report post Posted June 1, 2020 It depends whether your lungs are all right with that. AFAIK, the only disadvantage of higher protection masks is that you must exhert more effort to breathe, since there is a greater pressure drop (more suction required) caused by the filtering material. Probably, not ideal for running. Risk of emphysema? I don't know, but surely not advised to those who already have some breathing problems. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InquilineKea Report post Posted June 1, 2020 (edited) Yeah, I don't like wearing them continually that much b/c of the increased resistance, but air pollution is so horrible for you it's worth the risk. Exerting more effort to breathe might in fact be good for your lungs.. Edited June 1, 2020 by InquilineKea Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrianA Report post Posted September 25, 2021 HEI study in Europe finds evidence of health effects at lower levels of air pollution https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210925-hei.html "The shape of the associations with natural cause mortality showed steeper slopes at lower exposures, with no evidence of concentrations below which no associations were found for PM2.5, BC, and NO2." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tea Report post Posted September 28, 2021 Humans did evolve around fires, breathing in some amounts of smoke on a regular basis. There are likely some hormetic benefits from low-level pollution. At what level of exposure you surpass the hormetic bell curve, is to be determined. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saul Report post Posted September 28, 2021 My thought: Full vaccination against Covid-19 is of course number one. Concerning all infectious diseases: avoiding breathing what other people breathe out. I've been doing that for decades, while not avoiding other people's company. Mt reasoning: The most dangerous creature to a human is another human. Careful behavior works, without wearing masks and staying far away from others (although the latter has its pluses), I think is the way to go -- rather than rules that a subhuman is capable of following. -- Saul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saul Report post Posted September 28, 2021 Of course, I'm fortunate to live in an area with very minimal air pollution (Rochester, NY), unlike NYC, LA and Beijing -- saul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KHashmi317 Report post Posted September 29, 2021 Commented on this topic years ago ... I think in a post regarding outdoor exercising and biking in urban areas. I've been using Respro pollution masks for over 12 years, mostly for biking certain routes. Made a big difference years ago when local LA air was still polluted in spots [autos/regulations have gotten cleaner since]. The mask does restrict breathing for heavier workouts -- not recommended. The Respro mask has a filter that is purpose-built for air pollution -- so it is different from N95 or medical masks. Also, the pollution mask has a check valve so you vent lung air out unfiltered, unimpeded. I don't like wearing masks -- esp. b/c of the restricted breathing issue ... gasping for air on, say, uphill grades is not fun. So ... best to avoid polluted areas ... say, use back streets and limit to times when auto traffic runs light. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Lustgarten Report post Posted December 4, 2021 Probably yes on masks when outside, COVID or not:https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/08/04/fine-particulate-air-pollution-associated-with-higher-risk-of-dementia/ Ha, we'll all look like Daft Punk eventually Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gordo Report post Posted December 16, 2021 Are you sure wearing a mask all the time would not have negative health consequences? How good is the air quality behind a mask especially after long/repeated usage? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saul Report post Posted December 17, 2021 Slows breathing -- not a good thing. But if you live in downtown LA, Beijing or Delhi, it might be a great idea! -- Saul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tea Report post Posted December 17, 2021 47 minutes ago, Saul said: Slows breathing -- not a good thing. Slower, deeper breaths might have some stress reducing and HR/BP lowering effects. As long as you're not changing your blood oxygenation though, I really doubt it matters. I wouldn't want to wear a mask while I sleep, but don't see any real concern when you're awake and can consciously adjust your respiratory rate if you feel any oxygen starvation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites