When spring arrives in northern China, it is often accompanied by widespread smog or sandstorms. In recent years, pollution has continued to worsen nationwide, and many southern cities have also experienced relatively severe smog conditions. Friends who enjoy outdoor activities must not expose themselves to the dangers of smog. Understanding smog and knowing preventive measures is truly essential for outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists.
Smog and Pollution
Haze refers to the phenomenon where a large amount of extremely fine dry dust particles and other substances are uniformly suspended in the air, causing general air turbidity with horizontal visibility of less than 10 km. At the same time, if there is more moisture in the air, certain highly hygroscopic dry dust particles will absorb water, increase in volume, and activate as condensation nuclei for clouds and fog, producing more and smaller cloud/fog droplets, thereby further reducing visibility. Thus, when horizontal visibility is below 1 km, we refer to this haze + moisture phenomenon as fog. This kind of smog is merely a weather phenomenon and is not inherently related to pollution.
However, the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has publicly stated that extreme adverse meteorological conditions, high levels of pollutant emissions, and regional PM2.5 transmission are the three main reasons for the severe air pollution in Beijing. Other cities with relatively serious smog conditions can also be attributed to these causes. In China, where industrial production is increasing day by day, "pollutant emissions" have become the most intuitive cause of smog — most condensation nuclei for clouds and fog are pollutant particles. Therefore, when smog occurs, we should consider taking preventive measures.
In addition, stagnant traffic (studies have shown that motor vehicles traveling at low speeds emit more exhaust), calm and stable weather, and topography that hinders air circulation are also important factors in the formation of smog. Outdoor populations are often active on roads, in mountainous areas, and valleys, where pollutants can easily accumulate, creating environments harmful to human health. For example, jogging or cycling in smoggy conditions is more harmful than beneficial.
In northern China’s spring, especially on windy days, catkins from willows and poplars, pollen, and other allergens become a nightmare for all kinds of people, especially those with allergies. These irritants can easily trigger coughing, sneezing, rhinitis, and more. Willow catkins and pollen can even cause facial itching or swelling, and accidental inhalation through the nose or mouth can lead to strong discomfort. Living in an environment with a high concentration of willow catkins over a long period poses a significant risk to respiratory health, making the situation even more severe for outdoor enthusiasts.
On windless or low-wind days, haze, fog, floating dust, and sandstorms become new threats. The air is filled with a large number of particulate matters, and even indoor residents may feel breathless. Severe cases can even lead to allergies and some respiratory diseases. Outdoor enthusiasts who love morning runs, hiking, cycling, and other sports must pay extra attention.
Choosing a Mask
In such smoggy weather, what anti-smog, anti-dust, and anti-allergy measures can we take to protect our lungs? — The most important is to wear a mask.
On severe smoggy days and when willow catkins are flying everywhere, you should try to avoid strenuous physical and aerobic outdoor activities, such as long-distance running. But sunny days are rare, and sometimes traveling in smoggy conditions is unavoidable. When going out, be sure to wear a mask. Regular masks are not very effective in protecting against PM2.5 and only provide superficial protection for the respiratory system. Professional masks are more expensive than regular ones but offer significant protection against various pollutants and pollen. Considering the fit to the face and ensuring breathability, the only choice for outdoor enthusiasts is high-end professional masks. However, compared to other outdoor gear, the cost of masks is a small proportion.
Currently, China does not have a universal civilian mask standard. N95 and N99 masks are specialized for protecting against dust, bacteria, and other harmful substances. N95 masks filter 95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, while N99 masks filter 99%. Masks come in various styles, and considering the protection level against PM2.5 or even PM1, N99 standard masks are the best choice. China’s pollution level is not light, and any slight negligence may harm oneself.
Regular masks, such as medical masks, disposable masks, and silicone masks, can somewhat obstruct airflow and cause breathing difficulties. These types of masks are not suitable for manual laborers and are even less suitable for wearing during exercise. Masks that obstruct breathing can lead to chest tightness and shortness of breath, causing mild discomfort at best and increasing the burden on the heart and lungs at worst. It is reported that some brands (such as VOGMASK) have addressed this issue by incorporating air valves to ensure smooth breathing. Brands like Vogmask, Respro, and Sanjigen, compared to the towering design of the widely used 3M masks, have a lower profile and are less likely to affect appearance. Outdoor enthusiasts might want to give them a try.
In summary, professional masks are essential for outdoor activities in smoggy weather. Well-known mask brands like VOGMASK are already available on cutting-edge websites like Youjipin, and the public can keep an eye out for them.