A striking experiment conducted on Mumbai's Juhu Beach has provided a visual and scientific testament to the effectiveness of N95 masks in filtering polluted air, sparking crucial conversations about personal protection during hazardous air quality days.
The Viral Mumbai Experiment: A Dramatic AQI Drop
Entrepreneur and paragliding pilot Aneesh Bhasin conducted a simple yet powerful demonstration using a portable air quality monitor. At the beach, the device recorded a real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) of 192, indicating unhealthy conditions. The pivotal moment came when Bhasin covered the monitor's air inlet with an N95 mask. The reading plummeted to a much safer AQI of 37. "N95 masks do work," Bhasin affirmed in an Instagram post showcasing the experiment.
Doctors Decode the AQI and the Role of N95 Masks
Dr. Samir Garde, Director of the Dept of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, explained that AQI measures how clean or polluted the air is. "The higher the AQI number, the worse the air quality," he stated. He categorised levels: below 50 is good, 100-200 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, and above 300 is hazardous for all.
Detailing the mask's function, Dr. Garde said, "An N95 mask is designed to filter at least 95 per cent of tiny particles, including PM2.5." These fine particles are dangerous as they penetrate deep into lungs and the bloodstream. He emphasised that when AQI exceeds 150, wearing a well-fitted N95 mask outdoors during heavy traffic or smog can significantly reduce exposure.
Medical Validation of the Experiment
Pulmonologists confirm the experiment's legitimacy. Dr. Manas Mengar, Consultant at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explained the science: "When you cover the inlet with an N95 mask, you filter the air before it reaches the sensor... The mask prevents particles from reaching the device, which means it also has similar effects on the human body." This visually confirms the filtration capability users rely on.
Protection vs. Solution: A Critical Distinction
However, doctors issue a vital caveat. "Don't confuse protection with a solution," urged Dr. Mengar. While N95 masks are a critical personal protective tool, they do not reduce ambient pollution. They are part of a broader defence strategy.
For comprehensive protection, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach. This includes reducing outdoor activity during peak pollution, keeping windows closed, using air purifiers indoors, and heeding local air quality alerts alongside mask use.
Dr. Garde concluded that these combined steps are essential for safeguarding lung health when pollution levels soar. The Mumbai experiment serves as a potent reminder of an individual's first line of defence in a collective battle for cleaner air.
