For more than a week, Delhi-NCR has been plagued by air pollution and smog. Masks that have been used to prevent the coronavirus are now a necessity to prevent deadly pollution.

However, experts said that ordinary masks need to be replaced.

Dr. Rajesh Chawla, a senior pulmonologist at Apollo Hospital, said that particulate matter (PM) levels in most parts of the capital have reached "dangerous levels" and masks need to be replaced quickly.

“The two main components in the air are PM 10 and PM 2.5. PM 2.5 levels in most of Delhi have reached dangerous levels,” Dr. Chawla said.

Should Delhi NCR residents change their masks and start wearing N95 to ensure safety? Watch the conversation between @tweets_amit in India Today and Dr. Rajesh Chawla, a senior pulmonologist at Apollo Hospital. #ReporterDiary #Delhi #AirPollution #Smog pic.twitter.com/HTW0Y4vwoM

"PM 2.5 is a very fine particle. When it enters your body, it can reach the periphery of the lungs and even the alveoli (the inner part of the lungs). It will react and cause a lot of damage. It can also be absorbed from there. Into the blood," explained Dr. Chawla, head of the respiratory and intensive care department at Delhi Apollo Hospital.

"PM 2.5 can not only cause local diseases such as eye and throat irritation, but also serious diseases such as chronic lung disease and stroke." In addition, the chance of death under extreme conditions will increase. " He said.

He added that the only way to prevent it is to reduce exposure.

Read | "Wear a mask": Delhi's winter pollution and COVID-19 experts | Exclusive

"The three-layer mask can resist particles above PM 3. It can protect you from the effects of PM 2.5 by nearly 60%," said Dr. Chawla.

However, if you want to fully protect against PM 2.5, N95 masks are the best choice.

"If you can afford [N95] and can use it, you should wear it," Dr. Chawla added.

Due to the high level of pollution, doctors also advise people to wear masks when going out.

Dr. Akshay Budhraja, a senior pulmonologist at Aakash Healthcare Super Specialty Hospital in Dwarka, Delhi, agrees with Dr. Chawla. He added that N95 masks are necessary to go out.

"Simple surgical three-layer masks or cloth masks can be worn at home or in the office. However, you must wear N95 masks, contaminated masks with filter valves, or double-layer cloth masks when you leave. Home or office. This applies to anyone staying outside. One minute man," said Dr. Budhraja.

He added: "It is also important to wear a suitable mask that does not leak air and covers the nose to the chin. There should be no gaps through which harmful air can enter."

Dr. Neetu Jain, a senior consultant lung specialist at the PSRI Hospital in Delhi, also emphasized the importance of using N95 masks to properly cover our nose and mouth.

"The N95 mask is used to prevent air pollution because it fits the face very closely, and can even filter small particles in the air to provide better protection. It tightly covers the mouth and nose, which basically means that air can enter our lungs. The place of the Ministry," she said.

"These masks cannot be used on children or people with beards," Dr. Jaen added.

At the same time, in response to the crisis, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (Arvind Kejriwal) held an emergency meeting on Saturday to develop a four-step plan, which may include a city-wide lockdown.

Delhi’s schools and government offices will also be closed for a week. The officials will work from home for the next 7 days.

Read | Delhi closed schools and government offices for a week due to air pollution, CM Kejriwal said there is currently no lockdown

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