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Thursday, August 17, 2017

India: Breathing in Style or Masking the Issue?


Over the last couple of years, the popularity of wearing breathing masks continues to rise as the air pollution worsens. Although many assume that China is the number one most polluted place on earth, a new study shows that India has won that battle. It's not anything to celebrate, but for those residents who can't relocate, it seems like there is a way to deal with the toxic air.
That is, at least for now. Previously, residents of India have worn regular masks, but with brands like Vogmask, the game has changed. Ranging anywhere from $16.00 - $44.00 USD, Vogmasks have become a popular line of masks thanks to the trendy designs to choose from. 

CEO of Vogmask India, Jai Dhar Gupta, is doing well on the market. He started out by buying a few online, and then ended up distributing it throughout India. Despite being known under the name Vogmask, the company is also known as Nirvana Being. The masks are not only non-disposable, but it helps filter out the dust and other pollutants. Other than the obvious benefit, the popularity in this line of masks also comes from the fashion statement one can make when wearing one. Especially since they come in various styles.
Although popular and fashionable, is it effective? The PM2.5 (fine particulate mattercan still find its way through the masks, and into your lungs. This is terrifying, specifically for those who are already terminally sick. Unfortunately, there aren't many other options for those residing in India.

One alternative is buying an air purifier or simply not doing activities outside that require heavy breathing. But is this a way to live? The thing is, there shouldn't be alternatives for how to handle air pollution going into our lungs. Instead, we should get to the root of the problem,  and not slow it down. What happens when the masks are no longer affective? What else can be done instead of masking - literally -  the issue?

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