Category: Pollution

Where Your Disposable Pollution Mask Ends Up

Because of the pandemic, there has been an excessive increase in demand for disposable masks. Many countries have needed them to help lessen the risk of exposure to the virus. Although they have been a requirement for some, disposable masks for that matter are not the best solution for many people. The increased plastic waste that they entail have not been good for the environment.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals are actually the ones that should use disposable masks. They are often exposed to germs, bacteria, and other viruses because of the nature of their jobs. What other people should use are reusable masks.

The Negative Effects on the Environment

Disposable masks like surgical masks are often made mostly of polypropylene. They can either be 20 or 25 grams per square meter in density per mask.

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer usually used in a wide variety of products. This composition of disposable masks makes it a plastic waste that it is hard to dispose of. Not only will they overflow in trash dumps, but some people are not properly disposing of them in the right place. In a recent survey conducted by Environmental group OceansAsia, they have found masses of surgical masks washing up on the shoreline of the Soko Islands in Hong Kong.

According to Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research at OceansAsia, “Most of these masks contain or are made of polypropylene, which does not break down quickly.

Marine plastic pollution is a serious problem. It is estimated that every year, over eight million tons of plastic enters our oceans. This plastic does not disappear but rather slowly breaks down into micro-plastic, which enters food chains, with a devastating effect.”

This just shows how much of an impact disposable masks are to

the environment. The better solution that most people should turn to is reusable masks.

3 Reasons to Use Reusable Masks

 

  • They last longer than disposable masks. With reusable masks, you can use them for as long as they las, but you must also be vigilant when it comes to cleaning and maintaining them. Reusable masks do have plastic valves, but those plastic valves can be used for eternity. If the silicone stopper in the valves doesn’t work anymore, it can be replaced.
  • They can help you save money. You won’t have to buy a lot of masks. You can just have one or two reusable masks, and purchase the replaceable filters which do have to be discarded but do not have any plastic in them. They are better for your wallet and for comfortability.
  • They can save the environment. This might be the most important reason. We want to do our best to save Mother Nature. We can do things like recycling or utilizing reusable masks and other reusable objects. We need to stop producing so much plastic waste because the earth and the environment are suffering now more than ever.

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Do YOU do any of these embarrassing things in traffic?

All of us are human, so we can’t help but commit a few mistakes here and there. But it can be especially mortifying for us when we do things that we’re not proud of in public. Add it to the possibility of doing such things in your vehicle, and it will leave you cringing in your driver’s seat.

For most drivers, some of the most awkward things that they do are usually when they are stuck in traffic during rush hour. With those minutes or maybe even hours of sitting inside your car, there are bound to be some humiliating instances. Here is a list of some embarrassing driving mistakes you might have done in traffic:

Forgetting to Dim Your High Beams

While on the road at night, it might be difficult to see clearly, so you turn on your high beams for a while. But, if you were in traffic and you forgot to dim them, you might be causing annoyance to your fellow drivers. No one wants to get blindsided by such lights, and in worst-case scenarios, you might even cause an accident.

Turning Without the Signal Light On

Drivers find it extremely frustrating when the car in front of them suddenly turns, and their signal light does not indicate such beforehand. You might hear a few honks if you forget to do this essential driving skill.

Stalling

Stalling happens when you let out the clutch too quickly on takeoff. The silencing of the engine can make you feel like crawling into a hole, especially in traffic, and all while you’ve been given the green signal.

Loud Exhaust

If you hear a loud exhaust noise coming from your car, prepare for others to be looking at you. Some people love it when others look at them. There is a thing called noise pollution though, and you might be the culprit with that extra loud exhaust. If you don’t mean it, you might want to cover your face and hide, but maybe it’s also an indication to get your exhaust system checked.

Road Rage

We understand. Traffic can bring out the worst in people. You might have said a few curse words here and there because of unruly drivers. But it is never a shining moment to be shouting incessantly at other people. Humans emotional intelligence quoting the book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman tells us that it is natural to feel anger for others mistakes on the roads. You can find this book and many more on Scribd which is a wonderful service that allows you and a few friends to read as many books and audiobooks per month. It’s basically the Netflix of books. If you would like 60 days of free books click here.

 

 

Playing Extremely Loud Music

Of course, all of us have our own favorite music, but it can be annoying and embarrassing if you play it too loud that other people can hear it. You should be courteous and respectful since no one wants to be stuck in traffic while listening to songs that they don’t like.

Spit on The Road

Some people have the indecency to spit on the pavement. They lean out of their car window or throw their heads back on a motorcycle. This disgusting behavior leads to people behind them getting spit on them. Nobody knows the bacteria in others’ spit, so it is necessary for people to learn that it is extremely rude behavior.

Cut Others Off

Without using their mirrors, some people just decide to merge or turn. They do this because they are lazy or because they don’t care. Usually it is the larger vehicles that do this most, because first of all they can’t be harmed, and second, they often don’t monitor the surroundings that their vehicle can affect.

Do You Do Any Of These Things?

Can you relate to any of those embarrassing things? Please let us know in the comments if you can! They might be moments that are still stuck in your head and are not easily forgotten. They can also serve as reminders for you to practice proper road etiquette. Please make sure to avoid doing these embarrassing acts as much as possible. They are not just humiliating situations. They can also cause serious accidents if you’re not careful.

 

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The top 12 most embarrassing driving blunders

How often do you hear yourself saying: “I can’t stand pollution in traffic!”

All of us have been there. We have hated and been irritated by the smell of polluted air during traffic. I mean, who can blame us when it can have adverse effects not only on the environment but also on our health. It is stated that road transport is responsible for a significant amount of air pollution in cities and towns. Many industrialized countries have seen the harmful consequences of traffic fumes that pollute the atmosphere. That is why they are looking for various measures to minimize and reduce their risks.

The Risk of Diesel

One of the many examples of air pollutants is diesel exhaust or fumes. Although nowadays, the composition of diesel fuel has become less toxic, studies have shown that inhaling it for long periods can have acute or short term health effects such as: causing stress to the brain.

According to the Director of UCLA’s Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, John Froines, “Diesel has very powerful effects on the lungs.” This statement is also backed by an EPA risk assessment expert, Charlie Ris, who stated that regularly inhaling a concentration of diesel particles, over five micrograms per cubic meter of air, can lead to a “spectrum of respiratory problems.” 

Thus, it can be said that long-term exposure to such kind of air pollution during traffic might lead to awful repercussions that we don’t want to experience.

What Happens?

That putrid smell of gasses surrounding us can quickly remind us how uncomfortable it is to commute around a city. When we get home our noses and throats a

re congested and filled with mucous.

We get a cough and it takes forever for it to go away. On a road trip the dust filled air gets into our cars or around our visors and enters deep into our lungs.

The smell of clean air or freshly cut grass reminds us that there are far better areas to be in than traffic. That’s why we hate being stuck in a traffic jam. The unregulated vehicles spewing out gasses and particles are often the main cause for the pollution in the air and we have to be there. We often don’t have a choice. Rush hour is there because we all want to get to a certain place at a certain time. Sometimes however, we can choose to travel while there is no traffic.

What Can We Do?

One of the best ways to avoid or reduce exposure to traffic air pollutants is to wear a mask.

Most motorbike riders know already of this fact. But a constant reminder is needed because they are the ones who will be most exposed to the pollutants. As also stated in the article, “THOUSANDS NOW WEAR pollution masks who thought they never would,” one should wear masks, especially in traffic-congested cities.

Pollution masks will serve as protection from many pollutants and not just diesel fumes. They can also be a barrier against viruses and bacteria that you might be inadvertently exposed to. They can also serve as a preventive measure since the wearer can use it to avoid spreading illnesses.

Congestion and traffic-related pollution can be really frustrating since they are the biggest contributors to air pollution. Rapid industrialization doesn’t only make it easier for us. However, we should keep in mind that there are simple solutions and ways that we can counteract the negative effects from happening to us.

Pollution masks are prime examples that every little thing will count when it comes to protection from harmful or toxic air quality.

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Which Countries Are FREE From Air Pollution?

Most people don’t take the consequences of pollution seriously. They don’t understand that not only does it cause harm to the environment, but also to us humans as well. Air pollution, for that matter, causes 4.2 million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization. This is because almost 91% of the world’s population lives in countries where air quality exceeds the guideline limits set by WHO.

How is air pollution measured by country?

There are several ways, but the key indicator is called “PM 2.5”. The “PM” stands for particulate matter while the” 2.5″ is the 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. This is one of the most harmful classes of airborne pollutants. According to Lydia Ramsey of Business Insider, PM 2.5 “is especially dangerous because it can get lodged in the lungs and cause long-term health problems like asthma and chronic lung disease.”

WHO recommends that a country should keep its PM 2.5 levels below 10 micrograms per cubic meter. If the levels go above 35 micrograms per cubic meter, this is considered a potential major health problem.

Thus, many countries and cities are looking for green alternatives to prevent further harm to the environment. They are doing their best to have lesser industrial coal production and more solar and wind energy. However, some cities are still reaping the profits from burning coal in factories and to produce energy.

Pollution Index

Here is a list of some of the countries with the least air pollution based on their rankings in 2020 on the Pollution Index:

Finland

This country has consistently been one of the countries with the least air pollution. This is because of the environmental protections that it has taken. Finnish authorities have had a strict policy on providing the best public transport. They have invested in their green initiatives, and the positive effects of this decision has led to many citizens having less need to get their own vehicles. Unfortunately, behind the scenes, brand new coal fired power plants are opening up.Image may contain: outdoor and text

https://www.facebook.com/gretathunbergsweden/photos/a.733630957004727/1139626929738459/?type=3&theater

Iceland

Iceland also ranks in the top five countries for having the least PM 2.5 levels. This is because they have wisely been using eco-friendly geothermal energy. This has been powering the country’s heating and electricity.

Sweden

The capital of Sweden, which is Stockholm, is considered the cleanest capital in the world and was named the first European Green Capital in 2010. It has curbed CO2 emissions by a quarter since the 1990s, which means that it is surely deserving of its title. The Swedish authorities also hope to make the country fossil-fuel free by 2040.

Norway

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is the more recent capital that has been crowned the European Green Capital in 2019. It is known as a world leader when it comes to its sustainable public transport system. This is because it runs completely on renewable energy.

Most countries should learn from these places because if we leave things as they are today, more and more people will suffer from air pollution, not to mention that it is taking a substantial toll on the environment.

The Evolution of Pollution

Most industrious processes used to generate tons of pollution. The countries that claim to have a majority of green power consumption used to be large contributors to global pollution. As we design better technology like wind, solar and water energy, we must consider that countries that are now entering their industrious years will continue to generate lots of pollution. It takes a lot of money and a lot of time to understand the negative effects pollution has.

Countries that are now emitting less pollution should not blame those countries that are growing and producing rapidly for the pollution they emit. Instead we should globally share the green technology that might be expensive, but can replace the processes that produce so much pollution. While it is costly, it is the only way that our ozone layer will be repaired, and the only way for us to minimize global warming.

In the end our demand is what creates a polluted world. We earn more money, and we spend it on air travel, large vehicles, plastic, and whatever else we want. It can be very difficult not to keep that Air Conditioner on because it probably won’t affect us in this life time. Our children’s children are the victims of our crimes on the environment.

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Improve Your Breathing By Spending More than 12 hours a Day in a Filtered Area

Indoor air quality is such an essential part of our everyday lives, even though some might not know it. Believe it or not, you can be exposed to air pollutants inside of your homes. The worst thing about this is that you can be completely unaware.

What are some examples of indoor air pollution?

One of the most common indoor air pollutants is dust. Inhaling dust can trigger allergic reactions. No one wants the air that they breathe to be dirty. Another is old or new paint. Paint actually contains VOCs or volatile organic compounds, and if it is in high concentrations, it could lead to various health problems.

There are also household cleaners and disinfectants that may cause harmful effects. By scrubbing them on any surface, they will interact with the air that you breathe and form VOCs. Another air pollutant is mold. Mold grows in humid places and can cause fevers, sneezing, and headaches, among other things. The bottom line is that all of these indoor air pollutants won’t do any good to your lungs and health.

How will a purifier help?

Some devices can help eliminate these indoor air pollutants. Air purifiers are devices that remove contaminants from the air and thus improve your Indoor Air Quality.

 

The filters in air purifiers have large HEPA filters which remove as many contaminants as possible. It is ideal to have a purifier that filters all the air in your space a few times every day.

It is also very good to have an air purifier running while you sleep at night. In the end we spend most of our time indoors, so making sure that the air you breathe while inside will really help your lungs to clear our and for you to recover from the dust and chemicals you’ve breathed outside.

The Benefits of HEPA filters

You should make use of purifiers with HEPA filters. These are high-quality filters that remove at least 99.97% of PM2.5 particles. These are common in most air purification systems. They are very beneficial to

your homes and offices because they can filter out the smallest particles, resulting in the best indoor air quality. You need to keep in mind that your indoor air space could contain a lot of harmful microorganisms that are not seen with the naked eye. That is why, with HEPA filters, you can breathe easily, and you and your family’s health won’t be at risk.

Humans take around 600 to 840 per hour on average. Can you imagine the positive impact that it will have on your lungs if you are in a filtered space for 12 hours? You would then be inhaling the best indoor quality air for 7,200 to 10,080 breaths.

Thus, there is no reason for you to hesitate in buying your own purifier. There’s the Xiaomi 3 Purifier that is affordable and contains a HEPA filter. You can also opt for a DIY solution of getting your hands on a high quality HEPA filter and the taping it to a fan. As the air is pulled or pushed through the fan it is filtered. Now is the time to improve your indoor air quality by filtering out these harmful particles that can damage your lungs.

To find out more about keeping the air quality super high in your indoor area, see how we do just that here: https://www.arymask.com/making-indoor-air-clean/

If you want to boost your indoor air quality with a great selection of plants, check out this article.

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THOUSANDS NOW WEAR pollution masks who thought they never would

Why people are used to wearing pollution masks in Asia or in big cities

Asian residents are very used to the habit of putting on their pollution masks as they leave the door. For many European, African, South American and American residents it’s definitely not. People see masks as an extra unnecessary accessory that they don’t need. They only recently have started to realize the benefits of masks. A virus spreading at impossible rates is the reason that people now try to protect themselves.

Why though, do so many people in Asia naturally wear masks? Well it could be because they don’t want to get other people sick when they are sick. It could also be because they want their physical traits to be private. It is definitely also because pollution is rife and people want to protect their lungs. In todays day and age, using a mask as a physical barrier that prevents other people from catching your cold or infection shows us who is empathetic. Taoism is a belief across many parts of Asia which has cultural influence on people’s decisions. The beliefs of Traditional Chinese Medicine like in the use of herbs also has the concept of making sure that our lungs are healthy. Exposing oneself to bad air can be detrimental, relating to a concept called qi, which in Chinese means atmosphere. People who are Taoist strongly believe that if the qi within our bodies is not clean, pain and disease are more likely to hit them. One way to ensure a healthy qi is through clean breathing and covering the face to protect the lungs

Industrialization causes high air pollution levels, and natural disasters have made the production and purchase of facemasks very common. Because people are so interested in protecting their health, many fashionable designs, comfortable, cheap and expensive masks have become available to the people of Asia. Sometimes people go as far as to wear masks so that they don’t have to be social. Not having to show anger or smile can make people more comfortable when they are surrounded by people.

Why many countries haven’t adopted pollution masks

There are many why people may not buy a mask of any type. Some people smoke, others don’t think they commute in a polluted place, some drive cars, and others simply find masks uncomfortable. It makes a lot of sense to be against masks, until you experience the benefits for yourself. It has now even become mandatory in many places to wear a mask, enforced with fines.

Now the debate lies in this: If everybody buys a pollution mask, there won’t be enough supply for hard working healthcare professionals to be able to use a mask where they’re most needed. If at first there is enough stock of masks for all the healthcare professionals working where there has been a case of a virus, then the excess should definitely be made available to the general public. The question is if people actually want to buy them or use them. This comes down to how fashionable, required, or comfortable masks are.

In a place where masks were generally unheard of, seeing a person wearing a mask might make others scared. They are simply not used to it and want to stay away from those with masks thinking that there’s a reason why they have a mask on. The reasoning though is very clear. Protect others from your exhausted breath, droplets, a virus or a cold. Protect yourself against small particles, pollution, and other peoples’ illnesses.

In many western nations, we understand the use of a HEPA filtered vacuum machine, wearing cup masks while doing construction or being in any type of industrial job. This has not yet crossed over to people welcoming daily use of masks in any situation, but with a virus being out of control, it is only obvious that the best way to prevent sickness is social distancing and respiratory protection.

Why masks can be useful (viruses, flu, sickness, etc.)

People might feel ashamed to wear a mask, but now that’s not necessary anymore. We can start to accept the nature of wanting to protect our respiratory tracts. Whether it’s while mowing the lawn, or being in a busy airplane, why not protect yourself? Especially knowing that people around you might be sick, or that you might get others sick. From the view of a doctor, masks are a secure barrier that will help flatten the quickly rising curve of a virus. Everyone should have access to some sort of respiratory protection if they are in a public place where they have to be near other people.

Even though the WHO still recommends that masks should be reserved for healthcare, or for those people who are actually sick, coughing, sneezing, or caring for those with a virus, those who wear them for protection should also use masks correctly. First, of course, it is important to wash our hands as frequently as possible. Disposable masks used in high risk areas should be disposed of properly. The outside of a mask could be contaminated, so not touching the outside of a mask, or taking it off from the back straps and then washing hands immediately after removing is the best way forward.

Facemasks can and will save lives. We now need them in our lives more than ever. The ratings though are extremely important. If multiple layers of fabric have a 100% seal around the nose and mouth, they should block a high percentage of viruses and bacteria. Tested masks that are proven to block higher than 99% of particles are best to use. Masks that block as much as possible are FFP2, N99 or better. These masks are tested and certified to remove smaller than PM2.5 particles which includes most viruses and bacteria.

Pollution

People are learning how many deaths pollution causes each year. Damage to the lungs at early ages or in later stages of life has been proven to be detrimental to our health. Many people are now starting to see the benefits of masks. They are understanding that the PM2.5 particles they breathe in from traffic, construction or even fine floating dust can make it difficult to breathe. Congested lungs and catching a cold or virus are now easier to prevent than ever. It is not only the exhaust fumes coming from vehicles you’re commuting around that are bad for you, but also the trash fires burning, the dust from construction, and nearby factory emissions. Small particles are often linked to diseases like cancer, as the ultrafine emissions get deep into our lungs. Pollution takes the life out of our lungs and hearts, which can be harmful for us in the long term.

How to Make Sure You Get a Comfortable Mask!

A key factor to actually wearing a mask is comfortability. If a mask isn’t easy to put on, annoys you, or doesn’t look good, you probably aren’t going to put it on. Even for those on a bicycle or motorcycle commuting through heavy traffic twice a day and often getting caught in rush hour, a habit to grab that mask and throw it on takes about a week to catch on. A lot of people may not know how comfortable a mask can be because they’ve only ever tried the surgical or industrial masks. There are other masks out there used while exercising and our main reason to start AryMask was that there were no comfortable masks. Especially for those of us using masks in hot and humid climates or during exercise. That is why we suggest our Air Mesh model in the single strap style or the dual strap style if you want a more adjustable and upward pulling fit.