Latest news with #Pollution
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Covid-19 rises in India again: Best N95 masks in India (2025) to stay safe
The detection of new COVID-19 variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 in several states of India has resulted in an increase in active cases for the country. Preventative healthcare professionals are strongly urging citizens to follow safety precautions seriously. One of the best ways to stay protected continues to be masking up with a high-grade N95 mask. N95 masks, unlike surgical and cloth masks, fit tightly around the face and have better filtration systems that can capture 95% of particles in the air, including viruses. Having an N95 mask around, whether you are commuting, travelling, or in packed public places, can be a lifesaver. In this guide, we have compiled the best N95 masks that are available online and are verified by safety standards. So, grab them to breathe more easily and safely. Covid-19 in India is once again making headlines with its recent resurgence, with two new variants. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country has reported 1009 active cases as of May 29, 2025. Here are some of the best face masks to use for better protection. Stay protected during the Covid-19 surge in India with this original N95 respirator mask. Featuring 6-layer filtration, including meltblown layers and a sweat-absorbing inner fabric, it offers comfort and high efficiency. Ideal for men and women facing the Covid-19 surge, its snug fit with an in-built nose pin helps prevent air leakage. It is perfect as a reusable Covid-19 face mask in Delhi's pollution and coronavirus scenarios. Good quality Effective protection Sweat-absorbing layer Ear tightness for some Variable breathing comfort Careview N95 Anti Pollution Cotton N95 Reusable Unisex Face Mask, Ear Loop Style (Pack of 20, Black) Protective Fold Flat Mask with 6 Layered Filtration (With Head Mask Extender) Protect yourself amid the Covid-19 spike with Daluci's original N95 mask featuring a 5-layer filtration. This lightweight, reusable, Covid-19 vaccine-compatible face mask for men and women ensures comfort with adjustable nose clips and elastic ear loops. Ideal as a disposable face mask alternative during the coronavirus India outbreaks, it is designed for multiple uses. ALSO READ: Best nebulizer masks: 6 top choices to breathe easily Reusable Adjustable nose clip Lightweight Poor elastic durability Inconsistent fit Daluci Anti Pollution N95 Reusable Unisex Non Woven fabric Face Mask, Ear Loop Style (Pack of 10) Protective Fold Flat Mask With 5 Layered Filtration, Without Valve Trusted during the ongoing Covid-19 resurge, this ISI-certified N95 respirator mask offers 5-layer filtration, including meltblown fabric for superior protection. Its snug fit and UV sterilisation make it a reliable Covid-19 face mask for men, women, and kids. Ideal for the Covid-19 surge in India, it ensures safety amid rising cases and pollution, delivering comfort and durability. Certified UV sterilised Effective filtration Ear loop durability concerns Size may not be suitable for all SISO Unisex ISI Mark/BIS Certified N95 5 Layer Melt Blown Face Mask FFP2 (White, Pack of 10) Fight the coronavirus resurgence with Promisca's original N95 mask featuring 5genuine filtration layers. Designed for high comfort with soft ear loops and an adjustable nose clip, it provides a secure fit during the Covid-19 surge in India. This reusable Covid-19 face mask suits men and women seeking effective protection amid the Covid-19 spike by offering breathable yet robust defense. Certified by DRDO & BIS Premium material Good breathing space Durability inconsistency Promisca N95 Reusable Face Mask, Protective 5 Layered Filtration with Meltblown and Hot Air Cotton Layers (Pack of 5, Multicolour) for Men Women and Children Ensure your child's safety during the Covid-19 surge in India with this specially designed original N95 mask for kids. With 5 layers of genuine filtration and breathable fabric, it offers comfort and protection against coronavirus. Ideal as a Covid face mask for kids, it fits ages 5-10 and features soft ear loops to prevent irritation during extended wear. Certified Breathable Designed for kids Size inconsistency Promisca Kids Non woven Ear Loop Style Protective 5 layered filtration with genuine Melt Blown and Hot Air Cotton Layers N95 Face Mask (Multicolour Small) -Pack of 5/10+2 Ideal for the Covid-19 emergence in India, this original N95 mask features 5-layer PM2.5 filtration with activated carbon filters. The soft cotton mask offers comfort even in hot weather and is washable for reuse. Perfect as a Covid face mask for men and women, it includes two replaceable filters lasting up to 100 hours each, providing reliable protection against pollution and coronavirus. Reusable Washable Soft cotton Smaller fit PureMe Cotton Reuseable N95 Mask (Black, With Valve, Pack of 1) for Unisex Trusted during the Covid-19 surge in India, this NIOSH-approved disposable face mask delivers 95% filtration efficiency against dust and airborne particles. Its adjustable nose clip and two-strap design ensure a secure fit, helping reduce fogging of eyewear. Essential as an original N95 respirator mask, it is ideal for men and women facing the Covid-19 spike. ALSO READ: Best nebulizer machines: Top 10 options to manage asthma, flu and more respiratory conditions Authentic Reliable Good filtration Some find it uncomfortable/tight 3M Unisex 8210 Disposable Respirator N95 Face Mask, Non Woven Fabric, Metal Nose Clip And Elastic Headband, Niosh Approved, Particulate Anti Air Pollution Respirator (Pack Of 10), White Made in India and DRDO certified, this anti-fog N95 mask protects against air pollutants and coronavirus. Soft, breathable, and reusable for up to 100 hours, it offers comfort with a nose cushion. Suitable as a Covid-19 face mask for men and women, it helps reduce heat and moisture build-up. Durable Well-designed Mixed reviews on fit Sassoon Reusable Unisex Anti Fog N95 Mask with Nose Cushion (Multi color pack of 10) DRDO and BIS tested with 6-layer filtration, this original N95 respirator mask protects against Covid-19 in India and pollution. Its 3D design minimises lip contact while head loops prevent ear pain. Moreover, it also offers zero fogging for glasses and superior breathability. ALSO READ: Top 8 retinol serums in India for age-defying and acne-free skin Excellent protection Breathable Good design Mixed reviews on comfort Weldots Nonwoven Fabric Pack Of 20 Fender Premium N95 Mask For Men & Women Reusable Face Mask Kf94 Mask 6 Layer Drdo, Isi (Bis) Certified Ffp2 Protection Head Loops Black A trusted original N95 respirator mask for men and women, this 3M disposable face mask is NIOSH/MSHA approved and perfect for protection against Covid-19 in India. The adjustable nose clip reduces eyewear fogging and ensures a snug fit during. However, it may be less effective with beards due to air leakage, but it is reliable for everyday Covid face mask protection. Comfortable fit Genuine product No fogging with eyewear may cause air leakage 3M NIOSH Certified Disposable Respirator (White, N95, Pack of 20) for Unisex N95 mask Filtration layers Certifications Nose clip Before picking an N95 mask, keep these five essentials in mind to ensure comfort, safety, and durability: 1. Comfort and fit: Seek a tight fit without oppressive pressure. In general, headband-style masks fit better than ear loops, especially when wearing them for extended periods of time. The correct size guarantees that the mask won't slip or gape, and a soft nose cushion avoids pressure marks. It won't protect if it is too loose, and it will hurt if it is too tight. 2. Breathability: Do you spend the entire day wearing your mask? Choose one that has multiple layers of filtration without sacrificing airflow. Particles are kept out while air flows freely, thanks to electrostatic filters and 3D designs. If you plan to wear a heavier-duty mask outdoors or for extended periods at work, read reviews first because some of them may feel stifling despite providing high protection. 3. Fog control: Your mask isn't sealing properly if your glasses fog up. To keep air away from your lenses, pick a mask with a tight upper seal and a flexible nose clip. Additionally, headbands keep the mask in place. Because of their clever fit, masks like the Weldots Fender KF94 are renowned for having little fogging. 4. Reusability and durability: Not all N95s are disposable. Up to 100 hours of use is claimed by some reusable models. Look for a robust structure that won't collapse, multi-layered fabric, and strong elastic bands. Steer clear of thin masks that lose their shape or seal after a few uses. 5. Skin-friendliness: Choose a mask with gentle, hypoallergenic inner layers if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Steer clear of fabrics with a rough or artificial feel. Choose masks marked as skin-safe or derma-tested because some users claim that certain materials cause irritation around the chin or nose. Menstrual Hygiene Day: 10 must-have period products for a stain and stress-free cycle Whey protein vs plant protein: What works better for muscle gain, weight loss and recovery? Best picks for you National Sunscreen Day 2025: From gel to stick, 10 must-have SPF products for summer Yes, some N95 masks are reusable for up to 100 hours, but most disposable ones should not be reused. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for reuse guidelines. Yes, N95 masks filter at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses. However, they don't eliminate the risk completely. Therefore, proper fit and hygiene practices are still essential. N95 masks are safe for extended use, especially those with breathable fabric and headbands. Choose a well-fitted, skin-friendly mask to avoid discomfort, suffocation, or irritation during long wear. Masks with a snug nose clip and headband design reduce fogging. Look for anti-fog or well-sealing masks to keep your vision clear while wearing glasses. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Winds push smoke from Canadian wildfires south into US and worsen air quality
Air quality in some parts of the United States is worsening as smoke from dozens of wildfires in Canada travels south, pushed by winds high in the atmosphere. Air quality in Arrowhead, Minnesota, is deemed unhealthy for people and animals sensitive to pollution and other airborne particles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency 's AirNow page. Moderate air quality is being reported across other parts of northeastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, the Chicago area, southwestern Michigan and the state's eastern Upper Peninsula, northern Indiana and western Ohio. Over the next day or so, particulates from the burning trees, leaves and other vegetation could reach further south into Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arkansas, said Patrick Ayd, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Duluth, Minnesota. Murray Kinsey, owner of a houseboat company just outside of Babbitt, Minnesota, said the sky Friday was 'hazy," but anglers still were fishing on nearby Birch Lake. 'It's getting a little hard to breathe,' Kinsey said. 'But it's not terrible. We've had it before, but it's been way worse.' What is AQI and who is at risk? The Air Quality Index — AQI — measures how clean or polluted the air we breathe is on a daily basis. The index focuses on the health effects that might be experienced within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. AQI is calculated based on ground-level ozone, particle pollution or particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country. The index ranges from green, where the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk, to maroon, which is considered hazardous. That level comes with health warnings of emergency conditions where everyone is more likely to be affected, according to AirNow. On Friday morning, the AQI showed orange around the Arrowhead, Minnesota, area, which Ayd said is a concern for people with chronic conditions, the elderly and young children. 'They really should limit their time outdoors,' he added. The level below orange is yellow and considered moderate, where the air quality is acceptable. That is what is showing Friday for some other parts of the Midwest. But fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index in northern Minnesota, a level that is unsafe for everyone, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality said it is monitoring air quality levels and advised individuals to limit prolonged outdoor activities. To limit exposure to unhealthy air quality, people should stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Avoid heavy exertion outdoors, using fans or swamp coolers that take air from outside, all wood-burning appliances, and lighting candles and incense. Where are the Canadian wildfires? Nearly two dozens wildfires were burning in the Canadian province of Manitoba, which is just north of Minnesota and North Dakota. So far this year, the province had had more than 100 wildfires. On Wednesday, Manitoba declared a state of emergency as the fires forced 17,000 people to evacuate homes in several communities. Canada's wildfire season runs May through September. Its worst-ever wildfire season was in 2023. It choked much of North America with dangerous smoke for months. 'We are getting the smoke,' said Kevin Doom, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chicago. 'The winds way up in the atmosphere — 10,000, 20,000 feet up — are blowing in from the north today. Minnesota is kind of taking the brunt at the moment.' 'The wind is going to drag that smoke down over the next day or two,' Doom added. Doom said a little haze was showing Friday morning over Chicago. 'It will keep moving with the wind,' he continued. 'But over time, it will continue to disperse, mix in with the air until it gets thinner and thinner until it fades away.' How did past wildfires impact air quality? Last summer, fires burning in California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington state and other parts of the West, as well as Canada, filled the skies with smoke and haze, forcing some affected areas to declare air quality alerts or advisories. Two years ago, smoky air from wildfires in Canada also shrouded broad swaths of the U.S. and prompted warnings for people to stay inside. ___________________
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Winds push smoke from Canadian wildfires south into US and compromise air quality
Air quality in some parts of the United States is being compromised as smoke from dozens of wildfires in Canada travels south, pushed by winds high in the atmosphere. Air quality in Arrowhead, Minnesota, is deemed unhealthy for people and animals sensitive to pollution and other airborne particles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow page. Moderate air quality is being reported across other parts of northeastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, the Chicago area, southwestern Michigan and the state's eastern Upper Peninsula, northern Indiana and western Ohio. Over the next day or so, particulates from the burning trees, leaves and other vegetation could reach further south into Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arkansas, said Patrick Ayd, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Duluth, Minnesota. What is AQI and who is at risk? The Air Quality Index — AQI — measures how clean or polluted the air we breathe is on a daily basis. The index focuses on the health effects that might be experienced within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. AQI is calculated based on ground-level ozone, particle pollution or particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country. The index ranges from green, where the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk, to maroon, which is considered hazardous. That level comes with health warnings of emergency conditions where everyone is more likely to be affected, according to AirNow. On Friday morning, the AQI showed orange around the Arrowhead, Minnesota, area, which Ayd said is a concern for people with chronic conditions, the elderly and young children. 'They really should limit their time outdoors,' he added. The level below orange is yellow and considered moderate, where the air quality is acceptable. That is what is showing Friday for some other parts of the Midwest. But fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index in northern Minnesota, a level that is unsafe for everyone, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality said it is monitoring air quality levels and advised individuals to limit prolonged outdoor activities. To limit exposure to unhealthy air quality, people should stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Avoid heavy exertion outdoors, using fans or swamp coolers that take air from outside, all wood-burning appliances, and lighting candles and incense. Where are the Canadian wildfires? Nearly two dozens wildfires were burning in the Canadian province of Manitoba, which is just north of Minnesota and North Dakota. So far this year, the province had had more than 100 wildfires. On Wednesday, Manitoba declared a state of emergency as the fires forced 17,000 people to evacuate homes in several communities. Canada's wildfire season runs May through September. Its worst-ever wildfire season was in 2023. It choked much of North America with dangerous smoke for months. 'We are getting the smoke,' said Kevin Doom, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chicago. 'The winds way up in the atmosphere — 10,000, 20,000 feet up — are blowing in from the north today. Minnesota is kind of taking the brunt at the moment.' 'The wind is going to drag that smoke down over the next day or two,' Doom added. Doom said a little haze was showing Friday morning over Chicago. 'It will keep moving with the wind,' he continued. 'But over time, it will continue to disperse, mix in with the air until it gets thinner and thinner until it fades away.' Past wildfires and air quality Last summer, fires burning in California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington and other western states, as well as Canada, filled the skies in regions of the western U.S. with smoke and haze, forcing some affected areas to declare air quality alerts or advisories. Two years ago, smoky air from wildfires in Canada also shrouded broad swaths of the U.S. and prompted warnings for people to stay inside. ___________________ Williams reported from Detroit. Raza reported from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
CNN
19-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Elon Musk is building ‘the world's biggest supercomputer.' It's powered with dozens of gas-powered turbines
Pollution Air quality AI SustainabilityFacebookTweetLink Follow Last summer, an abandoned factory in southwest Memphis got a new life courtesy of the world's richest man. Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI moved in to transform this unprepossessing building into the 'world's largest supercomputer.' Musk named it Colossus and said it was the 'most powerful AI training system in the world.' It was sold locally as a source of jobs, tax dollars and a key addition to the 'Digital Delta' — the move to make Memphis a hotspot for advanced technology. 'This is just the beginning,' xAI said on its website; the company already has plans for a second facility in the city. But for some residents in nearby Boxtown, a majority Black, economically-disadvantaged community that has long endured industrial pollution, xAI's facility represents yet another threat to their health. AI is immensely power-hungry, and Musk's company installed dozens of gas-powered turbines, known to produce a cocktail of toxic pollutants. The company currently has no air permits, appearing to rely on a loophole for temporary turbines — but environmental groups say the exemption does not apply, and residents are angry. 'Our health was never considered, the safety of our communities was never, ever considered,' said Sarah Gladney, who lives 3 miles from the facility and suffers from a lung condition. xAI did not respond to CNN's requests for comment. This part of Memphis, home to 17 other polluting facilities — including an oil refinery, steel plant and gas-fired power plant — is used to fighting for clean air. This time, however, not only are they up against the world's richest man, who happens to be one of President Donald Trump's closest advisors, but it's happening as the Trump administration takes an ax to pollution legislation, slashes environmental justice programs and throws its full-throated support behind AI. What's unfolding in Memphis should be a warning to other communities, said Erika Sugarmon, a commissioner of Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis and the surrounding area. 'All these different safeguards are being taken away,' she told CNN. 'So where do you go?' The new Memphis facility is part of Musk's quest to dominate AI, providing computing power to xAI's chatbot, Grok, which the company promotes as an 'anti-woke' version of OpenAI's ChatGPT. It has been under fire for loose guardrails, including allowing users to create Nazi Mickey Mouse images. Memphis Mayor Paul Young has thrown his support behind xAI's arrival, emphasizing benefits including the promise of hundreds of high-paying jobs and around $30 million in tax revenues in the first year alone. 'What we are looking at is an opportunity to completely transform our economy,' Young said. It's 'game changing,' he told CNN. Others see it very differently. Some local lawmakers say they were kept in the dark about the facility's arrival, leaving them scrambling for information. State Rep. Justin Pearson, a Democrat who lives 3 miles from the facility, said he was blindsided. His initial concern was how it would be powered. 'Our grid is already not stable enough' and the last three winters have seen rolling blackouts, he told CNN. It turned out the answer is partly grid power. The facility receives 150 megawatts from the local public utility Memphis Light, Gas and Water — enough to power around 100,000 homes. MLGW said it had done an impact study to ensure this would not affect power availability and reliability for consumers. xAI is now awaiting approval for a further 150 megawatts. But what really spiked Pearson's concerns were the turbines that started appearing at the facility last summer. Gas-powered turbines produce pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, a key component of ozone pollution — also called smog — which can cause asthma attacks and chest pain and, in the longer-term, is linked to decreased lung function and premature death. They also generate the carcinogen formaldehyde and tiny air pollution particles so small they can pass through lungs into people's bloodstream. It's a big concern for a region already grappling with the impacts of air pollution. The cancer risk from industrial sources in southwest Memphis is 4.1 times higher than the EPA's acceptable risk, according to a ProPublica analysis. Shelby county has an F in air quality for ozone levels from the American Lung Association and the highest rates of children hospitalized for asthma in Tennessee. Aerial images taken by the Southern Environmental Law Center and South Wings, an organization of volunteer pilots, in March showed xAI had 35 turbines at the facility. These can generate a total of 420 megawatts, equivalent to a 'medium- to large-sized power plant,' said Patrick Anderson, a senior attorney at SELC. They can produce an up to 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxide pollution every year, which would make xAI one of the biggest sources in the county, according to SELC calculations. Aerial pictures taken in April, this time with a thermal imaging camera, showed 33 turbines were producing heat, suggesting they were operating, Anderson told CNN. What has inflamed the community further is xAI's lack of air permits. It appears the company relied on a loophole which allows temporary turbines in one location for less than a year to operate without a permit. The SELC, however, argues xAI's turbines don't fall within a permit exemption because of their size and the pollution they produce. 'Our position is (xAI is) without a permit, they should not be operating,' Anderson said. In January, months after starting operations, xAI applied to the Shelby County Health Department for permits for 15 turbines. A health department spokesperson told CNN the application was currently under review and all community feedback would be 'carefully considered.' Twelve of the remaining 20 turbines were removed in May, and the rest will go in the future, said Mayor Young, although the timeline is unclear. The Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce said the turbines for which permits have been requested 'will achieve industry-leading emission standards' once they are equipped with pollution reduction technologies. For Rep. Pearson, however, the situation is bewildering. 'It's an actual gas plant in the middle of a neighborhood and you don't need any permitting?' he said. 'Something has failed drastically and significantly with our system of checks and balances.' Some of xAI's supporters have accused those who oppose it of being motivated by animosity toward Musk. It's a theory rejected by KeShaun Pearson, director of Memphis Community Against Pollution. Southwest Memphis has a long history of battling for clean air, soil and water, he told CNN. Residents successfully fought off a crude oil pipeline in 2021 that would have crossed Boxtown and multiple other predominantly Black communities in southwest Memphis. A medical sterilizing facility in south Memphis, which since the 1970s had been pumping out ethylene oxide, a toxic pollutant linked to blood and breast cancers, closed in 2023 after local campaigning. xAI's facility 'is not a new fight; this is the most recent,' Pearson said. Southwest Memphis has long been seen as a 'sacrifice zone,' he added. Pearson is wary of promises of hundreds of highly-paid jobs; data centers don't typically need large numbers of workers. He fears the majority of roles available to local people will be in janitorial and security. xAI's taxes also won't make up for health impacts, said Pearson, whose grandparents both died of cancer in their 60s, losses he blames on long-term pollution. What's happening in southwest Memphis reveals the tension between two very different narratives of what AI can bring US communities. For some leaders and business groups, xAI offers an opportunity to bring investment to an area in desperate need. Young people will be trained for AI jobs, and xAI tax dollars will be reinvested in the community, including tackling indoor air pollution, Mayor Young said. For environmental groups and many residents, this much-hyped, new technology brings the same old problems. 'If the innovation shackles you to fossil fuels like methane gas or coal, that's regression, right? That's not progress,' Pearson said. There could be a rash of similar power-hungry data centers appearing across the US as Trump and tech companies pave the way for AI. The EPA has listed making the US the AI 'capital of the world' as one of the five pillars guiding its work. An EPA spokesperson told CNN 'the Trump EPA will continue to implement its core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback' but did not answer specific questions about the xAI facility. Rep. Pearson fears for the impacts. 'If you look at where these data centers are propping up, it's always in poor communities' he said. There is 'no hope' the federal government will help protect them, he added. In southwest Memphis, the fight for clean air will continue, especially as xAI looks to expand its footprint with a new 1 million-square-foot facility. But it's exhausting, said Boxtown resident Sarah Gladney. 'It seems like we are constantly at battle,' she said. 'We deserve to breathe clean air.'
