Masks are not enough to protect PM 2.5 particles that contaminate the air of CDMX

The Pollution of the air in the valley of Mexico caused great ravages in the metropolitan area, where people have had to deal with this environmental crisiswhose end does not seem close. Given the ignorance of the protocols and the expectation of the measures taken by the government, it was recommended use of face masks if you leave the house, something that could not to be entirely adequate.

The microscopic particles called PM2.5 which are very harmful for health, which led the authorities to declare extraordinary environmental contingency, are able to pierce the tissues of masks, scarves and others. Although its use is recommended in extreme cases, the United States Environmental Protection Agency Recommend not to use them.

"PM 2.5, comes from Particulate matterthat is, particles. The 2.5 refers to the particle diameter, are particles up to 2.5 micrometers of diameter and a micrometer is a thousandth of a millimeter. If the hair is in the range of 60 microns because these particles do not represent 10% of the diameter, visible only in electronic microscope, the width of the pores of the mask is greater than 2.5 microns, so they can penetrate a mask "explains to Infobae Mexico the environmental engineer of the Metropolitan Autonomous University, Samir González Hamud.

"The use of a mask seems to cancel the effects adverse effects of air pollution on blood pressure and heart rate variability. This simple intervention has the potential to protect sensitive people and prevent cardiovascular events in cities with high concentrations of ambient air pollution, "says a study of the University of Edinburgh Made in China, one of the countries that suffers the most from air pollution.

The anti-pollution masks They have one special filter this does not allow contaminants to pbad. On sites dedicated to online sales such as Mercado Libre, Kichink and Amazon can be purchased, their prices range from 95 to 1,409 pesos.

The cause of air pollutionat about seven million dead prematurely each year, of which 600,000 are children under 15 years of age. Given the poor air quality in the Valley of Mexico, the Megalopolis Environment Commission (CAM) maintains the extraordinary atmospheric contingency for the third day, due to the high levels PM2.5 particles and environmental contingency due to ozone.