Smoke haze could affect Singapore again from Oct 20 to 22: Are surgical, cloth masks useful?
Singaporean health authorities are advising residents to use N95 masks during severe haze episodes, as surgical and cloth masks are ineffective against fine PM2.5 particles. The guidance follows concerns about air quality and the limitations of different mask types in filtering pollutants.
Why it matters
Clear public health guidance on protective equipment is essential for mitigating the respiratory health risks associated with seasonal air pollution.
The Covid-19 experience has taught Singaporeans to wear a surgical or cloth mask when they are unwell, to lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission.
During the ongoing haze episode, residents in Singapore have been seen wearing surgical masks or cloth masks when the air quality, or PM2.5 concentration readings , enter the high or very high band.
But are these effective? Do they work the same as N95 masks?
PM2.5 measures the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air, and refers to tiny particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream.
It is considered one of the key pollutants affecting human health during haze episodes.
N95 and equivalent masks are effective against haze and filtering out PM2.5 particles.
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