Masks are easiest and most affordable solution to the air pollution for most with different varieties being sold in Delhi markets. Apart from the common white and green surgical masks that were earlier advised for those suffering from respiratory diseases, there is a wide range of designer masks available at markets like Khan Market, Yusuf Sarai and Saket for the fashion conscious. Not just markets, masks have become must-haves for foreigners and people from other cities landing in Delhi and are also available at the IGI Airport.

Donning these masks becoming quite the fashion trend among youngsters and sellers say that while earlier it was mostly foreigners who bought these masks, now many youngsters walk in looking for 'anti-pollution masks' and they don't want the white and green surgical ones, but designer ones that come in various colours and prints.

'We are out of stock every second day'

At Khan Market, the only place where designer masks are available is a medical store that sells out its stock of over 40-50 masks in two-three days and the demand in increasing. "There are many foreigners visiting the market, and they walk in asking for masks with single or double filter. Some don't even enquire about different varieties or if there is something available in a lower price range, they readily take whatever is available. We run out of stock in three-four days," says Vikas Yadav who works at a medical store in Khan Market. While earlier the demand for these masks was higher among riders and runners, now they have become a part of Delhi's lifestyle, says Gaurav Wadhwa, who has been selling these masks as part of biking gear.

Gaurav says, "Last year, we sold 2-3 masks in a week and now we are selling 2-3 masks every day, that shows how the demand has shot up this year. Earlier, it was mostly cyclists, bikers or runners who came looking for these masks, but now, they are being bought by everyone and people say that it is difficult to breathe without these." A customer at his shop, Pankaj Dhiman from Faridabad, tells us that he can't ride his bike in Delhi without a mask. "I didn't wear a mask for three days and now my throat is all choked. Masks are the only way to keep yourself safe from this poisonous air," he says.

Laura Bertsche, from Switzerland, has been staying in Delhi for six years, but this year she says she just couldn't do without a mask. She says, "It has become a part of my outfit now, even if I'm stepping out for a small walk near my house in Vasant Vihar, I don't go without my mask. Once you start wearing it, you can feel the difference, you don't feel that you are breathing in all the dust around you. I have been advising everyone I know to wear masks."

Bandana or surgical?

Most designer masks come with a single valve for exhaling air and the ones with two valves are recommended for those who wear masks while working out or jogging. "There is a wide variety available in the market. There are bandana masks which are as good as scarves. Then there are surgical masks that come with N95 ratings and there are superior quality designer masks that have good filters. The masks with one valve could be used for a year, but now as the pollution levels are higher, we recommend customers to change/replace them after 10 months," says Gaurav.

RM Kapoor, owner of a pharmacy shop at Yusuf Sarai, adds, "Keeping in mind the pollution levels, masks with filters are a must for people suffering from any respiratory disorder. Others can go for simple masks (without valves or filters) that just cover your face and stop the dust."

Price no deterrent

These masks are available at various price ranges. The surgical masks, also called N95 masks, are the cheapest at Rs 80. The bandana or cloth masks start from the price range of Rs 250-400. But interestingly, the sale of these masks is much less compared to the sale of designer masks that are priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,800. "Sale of regular masks or surgical masks is limited to those who are advised by the doctors to use them. Those who want protection from the toxic air are investing in a good designer mask," says Rajesh who has a shop in Yusuf Sarai.

Bikers take their masks very seriously and the leather masks available for them come at a price of Rs 2,800. Says Dhiman, "I am planning to go on a bike trip soon and if I go without a good mask, I will fall sick. Buying these masks is an investment today."

Masks do provide relief

Doctors dealing with respiratory ailments say that in the last few months, they have asked many patients to wear masks. "I have asked around three patients who came with wheezing problems to wear masks and it has provided them some relief. There are many micro particles present in the air and masks with N95 and N99 ratings stop them to an extent. Earlier, only surgical masks were available, but it was not possible for everyone to wear them as people feel suffocated in them. The high quality masks that are available in markets today are made with quality fabric," says Dr Avi Kumar, consultant respiratory medicine.

While single layered masks, which are as good as a piece of cloth covering your nose and mouth, are effective up to 50-60% in preventing the air-borne particles from entering in the body, N95 masks and those with higher ratings are effective up to 95%, says Dr Srikant Sharma, senior consultant physician. "These masks are recommended for those suffering from respiratory diseases, children, elderly and others who regularly go out for running, jogging or workout during the morning when there is smog. The air-borne particles that make the air toxic are highest when there is smog and people inhaling these can suffer from lung and heart diseases," says Dr Srikant.