Finding It Difficult To Breathe? Here Are Masks To Protect You From Delhi's 'Hazardous' Air

Last Updated:October 21, 2025, 15:22 IST

Doctors recommend wearing either N95 or N99 masks in heavy smog and, in a situation when breathing becomes difficult, N100 masks are advised

Doctors and health experts recommend the use of masks as a protective measure while stepping outside in Delhi's highly toxic air. (Image: News18)

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to “hazardous" levels a day after Diwali celebrations, with readings on Tuesday the highest in the world.

According to Swiss group IQAir, this is partly due to the use of fireworks during Diwali. Its reading for New Delhi was 442, making it the world’s most polluted major city.

Last week, the Supreme Court relaxed a ban on firecrackers in New Delhi, permitting the use of “green crackers" for a maximum of three hours each on Sunday (October 19) and Monday (October 20). 

Delhi’s PM 2.5 concentration was more than 59 times the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline. PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter that can be carried into the lungs, risking deadly diseases and cardiac problems.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also rated the national capital’s air quality “very poor" with an air quality index (AQI) measurement of 350. An AQI of 0-50 is considered as good.

Coupled with vehicular emissions and smoke from stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana, Delhi-NCR is unlikely to get relief in the coming days. The earth sciences ministry forecast air quality will remain in the “very poor to poor" category with AQI between 201 and 400.

A thick smog covers Delhi and neighbouring areas every winter as cold and heavy air traps pollutants, leaving many of its residents struggling with respiratory illnesses.

Doctors and health experts recommend the use of masks as a protective measure while stepping outside in Delhi’s highly toxic air. Other measures include the use of air purifiers inside homes, keeping windows closed during peak pollution hours, hydration, and proper nutrition. This is especially important for those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart conditions, alongside their regular medication and inhalers.

Some experts said awareness and preventive measures play a critical role in safeguarding respiratory and cardiovascular health, so that there is no long-term harm from seasonal pollution. Pulmonologist Dr Karan Mehra, who has previously spoken to News18, has explained the different kinds of masks that can be used to protect your lungs from severe levels of air pollution.

WHICH MASK IS MOST EFFECTIVE?

From cloth masks to N95 and N99 masks, many protective masks emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Mehra said N95 masks are considered the most effective for protection against Delhi’s hazardous air, as these are specifically designed to filter out up to 95 percent airborne particles. Similarly, he said, N99 masks provide protection against up to 99 percent of airborne particles.

Doctors recommend wearing either N95 or N99 masks in heavy smog and, in a situation when breathing becomes difficult, N100 masks are advised. These masks offer the highest level of protection, blocking up to 99.97 percent airborne particles, Dr Mehra said.

Overall, N95 masks are the most suitable option for navigating smog, effectively preventing harmful gases such as benzene and carbon monoxide from entering the body. They also provide protection against pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5.

Experts suggest the use of P95 and R95 masks as well, which are specifically designed to filter out oil-based particles and are commonly used in industrial settings. Surgical and cloth masks, which were widely used during Covid, offer only basic protection.

Wearing the right mask can make a difference. Here are the options you should consider:

• N95/N99 masks: These masks are designed to filter out at least 95% (N95) or 99% (N99) of airborne particles, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and even smaller particles. They are best on days when Delhi’s air is highly toxic, and for outdoor activities as well as general protection. They are widely available, easy to use and affordable but can be slightly uncomfortable if worn for extended periods.
• N100 masks: Only when you are finding it extremely difficult to breathe outside, should you use an N100 mask that filters out 99.97 percent of airborne particles. They are more effective than N95 and N99 masks, but doctors recommend their use only in situations of breathing difficulty.
• P95 and R95 masks: These masks filter out airborne particles, much like N95 masks, but mainly differ in how resistant they are to oil-based particles and in how long they can be used around such aerosols. They filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including many bacteria, dust, and some viruses like N95 masks but they differ in oil resistance. These masks are resistant to oil (limited use, up to eight hours in oily environments), especially effective in industrial settings with oil mists or lubricants, heavy industry, painting, chemical processing among others. While R95 masks are for short-term protection in such settings, P95 masks are more heavy-duty, reusable longer in oily or chemical environments.
• PM2.5 pollution masks: These masks are specifically designed to protect against particulate matter (PM2.5) and often come with replaceable filters. They can be used daily during moderate pollution levels and are great for outdoor activities. They are, however, not as effective as N95 or N99 for very high levels of pollution.
• Activated carbon masks: These masks use a layer of activated carbon to filter out harmful gases like volatile organic compounds and toxic fumes, in addition to particulate matter. They are best for people living in highly polluted areas or those who need protection from both particulate matter and harmful gases like carbon monoxide. But, the carbon filters in these masks degrade over time, and they need to be replaced regularly.

WHY DO WE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BREATHE WHEN THE AIR IS TOXIC?

The respiratory tract is lined with cilia or hair-like projections that move microbes and debris up and out of the airways.

While the cilia in the nose and bronchi trap some of the pollutants, the immune system tries to expel them by causing inflammation. But some pollutants succeed in evading this mechanism and reach the pulmonary air sacs. This may adversely affect the lungs.

Research has indicated that these particles can enter a person’s brain, and even the placenta and the foetus in pregnant women. Particles of PM10 or less can penetrate into the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation and damaging the lining of the respiratory tract.

The smaller the particulate matter, the more health-damaging they become. PM2.5 or less can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system, affecting all major organs of the body, causing lung cancer and strokes.

Studies have shown that there has been a rise in lung cancer diagnoses among non-smokers in Delhi. In 1988, when nine out of 10 cases of lung cancer were due to smoking, in 2018, at least 50 percent lung cancer patients are non-smokers.

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

News india Finding It Difficult To Breathe? Here Are Masks To Protect You From Delhi's 'Hazardous' Air

Read More