Proper Use of Face Masks Decreases Air Pollution Health Risks by 80%

Air pollution is a very serious problem and affects a person’s health. It increases the risk of some complications such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease. But in a recent study, researchers have found an effective way to reduce this risk. They have revealed that wearing face masks correctly and properly can effectively reduce the risk of health problems usually caused by air pollution. This study was known as “Are Facemasks Effective against Particulate Matter Pollution? Evidence from the Field.” 

This research was published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management. In this study, researchers involved 2,300 people from 40 different areas of China. Researchers conducted this study in the season when the pollution was very high. Researchers gave instructions to these participants about how to use face masks effectively. They also told them about its benefits. They kept reminding them. So, they could understand how these habits and the risk of air pollution were related to each other. Researchers then followed these participants and collected information about their outdoor activities and how they usually wore masks. They also asked them how many times they visited hospitals because of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. 

When researchers observed the collected data, they found that face masks were almost 80% effective in protecting people from the risk of health problems caused by air pollution. This rate of result was very high as compared to the result of some previous studies conducted in the lab. Researchers also checked how much time these people spent outside after wearing masks. Because staying in a polluted area for a long time can reduce the benefits of the masks. But some of them did not spend more time outside because they were uncomfortable. On the other hand, some of them spent more time outside as they felt safer. This reduced the benefits of masks by 12%. 

One of the researchers said that people should use masks properly and regularly to effectively reduce the risk of health complications caused by air pollution. But wearing face masks does not eliminate it completely.  

Healthcare professionals should make some effective strategies and tell people how to wear face masks properly. So, they can effectively reduce the risk of health complications caused by air pollution.  

Reference Link:  

Ke Chen et al, Are facemasks effective against particulate matter pollution? Evidence from the field, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management (2024).  

DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2024.103001