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With the haze index hitting a new high, air purifiers and protective masks have become must-have items, leading to widespread shortages across the country. Not all masks on the market are effective at filtering PM2.5, making it crucial for consumers to choose wisely. While air purifiers are more expensive, masks have gained popularity during smoggy days. According to the Suning Tesco Market Center, mask sales have surged since November, with shortages reported in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. A 3M anti-particulate mask sold nearly 20,000 units in just one week in East China.
But which masks can truly protect against PM2.5? Dr. Zhang Hao from the Children’s Medical Center of Shanghai Jiaotong University noted that while there's still debate over whether professional PM2.5 masks can fully block fine particles, wearing any mask is better than nothing in heavily polluted conditions. Even if they don’t completely filter out all particles, masks help maintain moisture in the mouth and nose, reducing respiratory irritation.
Fu Haidong, a professor at Fudan University School of Public Health, recommends N95 or KN90 masks for effective PM2.5 protection. However, he warns that even the best masks can be uncomfortable due to reduced breathability, potentially causing breathing difficulties. People with respiratory conditions should be especially cautious when choosing a mask.
Air purifiers have also seen a surge in demand as haze persists. Sales at Suning spiked by 680% compared to last year, with mid-range models priced between 3,000 and 4,000 yuan performing particularly well. Some models sold over 3,000 units in a single day. Despite this, many consumers remain unsure about the actual effectiveness of these devices.
The Air Purifier (China) Industry Alliance explained that current standards for air purifiers are mainly voluntary, covering safety and antibacterial performance, but not specific metrics like PM2.5 removal rates. This leaves room for manufacturers to set their own testing conditions, making it difficult for consumers to assess real performance. For example, some purifiers claim a 99% PM2.5 removal rate, but the time required to achieve this can vary greatly.
Experts also warn that many products neglect to mention the "applicable area" — the maximum indoor space a purifier can effectively clean. A recent survey found that several models exaggerated their coverage, potentially misleading consumers. The Shanghai Bureau of Quality Supervision reported that nine models had larger claimed areas than their actual performance, and seven didn’t label the area at all.
Additionally, some small online-only purifiers are actually ozone generators, which may harm health if used improperly. These devices often fail to meet national safety standards and are sold in large quantities, raising concerns among experts and consumer advocates.
In conclusion, while both masks and air purifiers offer some level of protection, consumers need to be informed and careful in their choices. It’s important to look beyond marketing claims and consider real-world performance, proper usage, and individual needs when selecting these products.