Anti-Pollution Masks

[SquareDaff]

I've just started commuting to work again (Leeds/Wakefield southern border - country lanes) followed by Doncaster (town centre - under Frenchgate centre -towards Lakeside) and am wondering if anti-pollution masks actually work or whether they're just another "toy"?

I've never worn one and am of the opinion they'd probably hinder my breathing rather than help - given that I don't live in, or commute in, London. I'm open to persuasion either way though as my return to cycling follows a gap of about 10 years and am probably out of date!!

 

[magnatom]

I've just started commuting to work again (Leeds/Wakefield southern border - country lanes) followed by Doncaster (town centre - under Frenchgate centre -towards Lakeside) and am wondering if anti-pollution masks actually work or whether they're just another "toy"?

I've never worn one and am of the opinion they'd probably hinder my breathing rather than help - given that I don't live in, or commute in, London. I'm open to persuasion either way though as my return to cycling follows a gap of about 10 years and am probably out of date!!

I've never used them. I know a few folk who have, but they didn't use them for long. If you exert yourself at all, I think they can become very uncomfortable. I have no idea about the effectiveness, but I suspect that it would range from reasonable to rubbish.

Interestingly this months Cycling Plus has an interesting article in it about pollution and the effects of pollution on cyclists. Two webs sites that might be worth keeping an eye on are the national air quality site , and if you live in Scotland (as I do) the Scottish equivalent.

 

[BrumJim]

General opinion is that they are no use, as they are insufficiently fine to filter out the damaging particles.

Also, why are you more at risk on a bike than in a car? It is the same air. So why don't you wear one in the car?

 

[SquareDaff]

General opinion is that they are no use, as they are insufficiently fine to filter out the damaging particles.

Also, why are you more at risk on a bike than in a car? It is the same air. So why don't you wear one in the car?

I may be unusual (it's been said before!) - but I find that I don't have to suck in huge lung fulls of air whilst driving a car!

 

[Neddy]

I vaguely remember some research a few years ago that said that because car drivers are trapped inside their steel boxes, what they are breathing in traffic is many times worse than what we breathe in the same situation. Plus when wearing a mask there's the restricted airflow, discomfort, fact that they probably don't work anyway, make you look like an idiot, etc., etc.

 

[ianrauk]

I vaguely remember some research a few years ago that said that because car drivers are trapped inside their steel boxes, what they are breathing in traffic is many times worse than what we breathe in the same situation. Plus when wearing a mask there's the restricted airflow, discomfort, fact that they probably don't work anyway, make you look like an idiot, etc., etc.

Drivers and passengers inhale the most fumes​

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Car drivers and passengers inhale two to three times more air pollution than pedestrians and cyclists, according to UK Government research.Cars effectively travel in a tunnel of pollution, breathing in fumes from the cars in front. Rush hour conditions create the highest levels of in-car pollution, but motorway driving generates increased levels of nitrogen oxides. Although they breathe faster as they pedal, cyclists receive less pollution because pollution levels are lower at the edge of the road. Pedestrians receive the lowest pollution of all.

The report also claimed that people travelling by bus inhale less pollution, but did not explain why.

(2774) Daily Telegraph​

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[hackbike 666]

Yes I find them useful and generally use them in the winter to stop a persistent cough.

 

[Moodyman]

Being asthmatic, I tried them. I pedal hard and have lots of hills on my commute.

I found that I couldn't get enough oxygen through them so got rid. Plus you have to change the filters regularly for them to be effective - and they ain't cheap.

In winter, I wear a lycra balaclava which is good at keeping out thecold air and some pollutants -- still lets me breathe okay. In summer, I just breathe it all in.

 

[hackbike 666]

Didn't you just clean the filters?

My problem got so bad that without the masks the cold air going down made me persistently cough so it was either that or find another way to get to work.I hope this winter is better.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Cannot see any point myself. I'm not exerting myself that hard on the bike and my time exposure is less than it would be walking. May help if your'e asthmatic. OTOH anything that kept the plane tree bud/leaf cases that prevail in London's early summer out of the eyes and throat would be an advance

 

[ferret fur]

I used one a couple of time & found it would never stay in place. Most of the air I was breathing in came from around the sides of the mask. I suspect a buff would be just as (as in not very) effective.

 

[SquareDaff]

Looks like the answer is "not worth it" then. Cheers for everyones advice

 

[ianrauk]

Get a buff....

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Not.