air pollution masks for big city bicycle riding?

[SkinnyJoe]

I seem to remember seeing them used in China, but I am curious, does anybody use them in the US, and if so, what kind of masks are they?

Effective against fine particle pollution?

Thanks

 

[orthogonal1]

I thought the masks were some kind of activated charcoal filter.

 

[shrap]

When I was in London I saw quite a few cyclists wearing Respro masks. Never tried them myself, I try to stay away from heavily congested urban areas with lots of cars.

 

[65535]

If you're gonna do it, get something with an activated charcoal filter, that's what helps remove the real toxins from the air. It's not totally fool proof, but it helps a lot.

 

[quattrokid73]

You need the charcoal filter to remove chemical contaminants.

I don't know if the respro protects against organic vapors though.



Either way, if it's really that bad, consider moving. Mask or not when you're outside, you'll feel the effects of a heavily polluted area in a few years or so.

 

[AeroNautiCal]

Perhaps consider this:

I used to run a motorcycle clothing and accessory store in the West End of London. Respro masks were all the rage with cycle and motorcycle couriers (the original masks were not cut away like the versions available now).

Our store also equipped Paramedics and Police (with specific gear) several of whom spoke about cyclists and motorcyclists involved in road traffic accidents, that would die, despite the fact that their injuries were not life threatening!

They died because they choked on their own vomit, as a result of injuries sustained during their accident, yet were unconscious and could not remove their masks, scarfs or balaclava's (ski masks) which covered their mouth and nose!

The emergency workers really hated these masks, having to deal with the unintended consequences of their use.

I wear a balaclava, Buff or scarf when walking or paddling in cold weather, but I never, ever have my mouth or nose covered when motorcycling or cycling.

Sorry if this sounds morbid, but I believe that the issue has relevance.