Amid growing concern over toxic air in the national capital, the Delhi government has announced a new set of measures to control pollution. One of the key steps is the enforcement of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule from Thursday. Under the new rules, only BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi will be allowed to enter the city. Restrictions on construction activities and trucks carrying construction material will also continue under the GRAP guidelines.
Adding to the problem, dense fog covered Delhi-NCR on Thursday morning, reducing visibility to 150 metres at Palam and 200 metres at Safdarjung airports. This disrupted road traffic and led to the issuance of an orange alert. Weather officials said foggy conditions may continue during early mornings as winter deepens. Meanwhile, amid rising concern over air quality, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to hold a detailed discussion today on the worsening pollution situation in Delhi and nearby regions.
As Delhi’s air quality slips into the hazardous category, here are five effective masks that can help protect you from the worsening pollution.
N95 Mask
The N95 mask can filter around 90 percent of harmful particles present in the air. With Delhi’s AQI remaining in the hazardous range this week, it is one of the most practical and trusted choices for daily use. It offers strong protection during commutes and outdoor activities amid heavy smog.
N99 Mask
The N99 mask provides higher protection, blocking up to 99 percent of fine dust and smoke particles. Given the severe pollution levels in Delhi this week, it is suitable for people who spend long hours outdoors or live near busy roads and construction zones.
N100 Mask
The N100 mask offers maximum protection, stopping almost all PM2.5 and PM10 particles. With air quality touching dangerous levels across Delhi, this mask is ideal for children, elderly people, and those with asthma or respiratory problems who need extra safety.
Surgical Mask
Surgical masks can block large dust particles and droplets, but they are not very effective against fine pollution particles. During Delhi’s severe AQI conditions this week, they may offer limited protection and are better suited only for short indoor or low-exposure use.
Cloth Mask
Cloth masks provide minimal protection against air pollution. While they can stop visible dust, they do not filter tiny toxic particles present in Delhi’s air right now. With AQI in the hazardous range this week, cloth masks are not recommended for outdoor use.
