[internaut]

I hear good things about HEPA filters.

http://www.achooallergy.com/3m-6291-hepa-masks/

I'd recommend getting cheap disposable surgical masks as a backup strategy. They won't prevent the air being polluted but they will still filter the tiny particulates in the air that cause so many problems.

[eatbitseveryday]

> cheap disposable surgical masks as a backup strategy. They won't prevent the air being polluted but they will still filter the tiny particulates in the air that cause so many problems.

This is such a common misconception. Surgical masks are meant to prevent the transmission of diseases by blocking blood droplets etc. from entering your mouth. They are NOT[1] intended nor capable of filtering particles from the air (except perhaps if they are visible to the eye). I see so many individuals in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and some in China wearing them, but the only role they can play is to (i) keep you warm, (ii) fit in with the locals, (iii) avoid spreading disease, (iv) keep bugs out of your mouth when riding with a moped down the street.

If you want to filter PM2.5 you need proper respirators[2] or activated charcoal masks that can do the job.

[1] https://www.osha.gov/Publications/respirators-vs-surgicalmas...

[2] https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/respiratoryprotection/index.html

[internaut]

I see! HEPA filters are still a good idea I presume.

If you can have plants at work/home that should help. I don't normally like TED talks but this guy seemed to have interesting information on the right kinds.

https://www.ted.com/talks/kamal_meattle_on_how_to_grow_your_...

[eatbitseveryday]

I think the main challenge isn't how to filter air at home, but when you are traveling outside, e.g., buying groceries, going to work, etc.

[rahimnathwani]

Filtering air at home has a big impact, because:

- You have a lot of control over your home's internal environment

- You probably spend 1/3 to 1/2 your time at home

It's also challenging:

- All windows and doors must be sealed from draughts to minimise pollution coming in

- Filter machines must be regularly maintained, and filters replaced

- Windows must be opened for short periods (e.g. 20 mins) a couple of times per day, to let bad gases out, and let oxygen in

Sure, you can wear a mask in other environments, but you probably take the mask for many functions (talking with people, eating).

[rahimnathwani]

This is really bad advice. Surgical masks don't filter much of the air you breathe. They don't make a seal, so incoming air takes the easiest path: around the mask, rather than through the mask.

[internaut]

Thanks for the explanation, I was wondering.