- Joined
- Dec 1, 2017
- Messages
- 24,476
- Reaction score
- 7,808
- Gender
- Undisclosed
- Political Leaning
- Undisclosed
According to experts that AccuWeather spoke with, masks can be beneficial for people who experience allergy symptoms in the spring, partially due to the size of pollen particles.
"Masks can prevent pollen from getting in your nose, and therefore can cut down on your pollen allergy symptoms," Melanie Carver, the Chief Mission Officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), said. "Pollen grains are larger than viruses, so anything that can filter a virus can filter pollen."
While N-95 masks are ideal for filtering viruses and pollen from entering the body, a standard cotton mask with double layers will still be effective in cutting down the amount of particles that a person breathes in. (Getty Images/Imgorthand)
N-95 masks, which catch 95% of particles, are the most ideal for filtering things like pollen and other allergens, especially in situations when a lot of exposure is anticipated.
"These masks have different sorts of levels of filtration," Robert Naclerio, an allergy specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said.
However, Naclerio said an N-95 is not always the most practical mask for daily use. "Many people will notice a difference just by wearing a double-layered cotton mask."
"Some pollens are larger than others and you can see them with your naked eye. Even smaller pollens can get trapped in the fabric of your mask instead of getting inhaled up your nose," Carver said.
"Masks can prevent pollen from getting in your nose, and therefore can cut down on your pollen allergy symptoms," Melanie Carver, the Chief Mission Officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), said. "Pollen grains are larger than viruses, so anything that can filter a virus can filter pollen."
While N-95 masks are ideal for filtering viruses and pollen from entering the body, a standard cotton mask with double layers will still be effective in cutting down the amount of particles that a person breathes in. (Getty Images/Imgorthand)
N-95 masks, which catch 95% of particles, are the most ideal for filtering things like pollen and other allergens, especially in situations when a lot of exposure is anticipated.
"These masks have different sorts of levels of filtration," Robert Naclerio, an allergy specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said.
However, Naclerio said an N-95 is not always the most practical mask for daily use. "Many people will notice a difference just by wearing a double-layered cotton mask."
"Some pollens are larger than others and you can see them with your naked eye. Even smaller pollens can get trapped in the fabric of your mask instead of getting inhaled up your nose," Carver said.
