Explain why in places like Mumbai, which is one of the most polluted cities in the
world, it is advisable to wear a face mask while being outside. What will be the
consequences of not wearing a face mask?
Answers
Masks are a key measure to suppress transmission and save lives. Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive 'Do it all! ' approach including physical distancing, avoiding crowded, closed and close-contact settings, good ventilation, cleaning hands, covering sneezes and coughs, and more.These studies suggest that wearing a particle-filtering mask can reduce the short-term exposure effects on the heart and blood vessels of exposure to urban air pollution. ... While this sounds obvious, this awareness — rather any pollution reduction — could have produced the results observed.Generally, the filter in each mask worked well, the best stopped over 99% of the particle pollution and the worst stopped 70% to 80%. ... Wearing a mask could therefore pose problems for people who already have breathing or heart difficulties. So, face masks are not the answer to our problems.