Delhi: Demand for masks is rising rapidly across Delhi-NCR as air pollution continues to worsen. People are increasingly buying surgical and N95 masks to protect themselves, while medical stores are also reporting higher demand for nebulizers.
Mask Demand Rises Across Delhi-NCR Amid Rising Air Pollution
Rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR has become a major concern for residents. As a result, more people are turning to masks to reduce their exposure to polluted air. Medical stores and private pharmacies, particularly around Delhi AIIMS, are witnessing a significant increase in mask sales.
According to medical store owners, mask sales have increased several times compared to normal days. Moreover, both surgical and N95 masks are attracting customers. However, surgical masks remain the first choice for many people because of their affordable prices.
Meanwhile, demand for N95 masks has also increased at several medical stores. In addition, people are purchasing nebulizers as concerns about pollution-related breathing problems continue to grow.
Mask Demand Rises Across Delhi-NCR Amid Rising Air Pollution
Neeraj, the in-charge of a private pharmacy in Delhi, said that mask sales have increased significantly since pollution levels started rising. According to him, his pharmacy now sells around 500 masks every day.
He explained that approximately 300 of these are surgical masks. Previously, his medical store sold only 20 to 50 surgical masks daily. However, that figure has now increased to nearly 300 per day.
The affordable price is one of the biggest reasons behind this growing demand. A surgical mask generally costs between Rs 8 and Rs 10. Therefore, many customers prefer buying surgical masks because they offer a budget-friendly option.
Mask Demand Rises Across Delhi-NCR Amid Rising Air Pollution
Along with surgical masks, N95 masks are also witnessing higher demand. Neeraj said that his pharmacy sells approximately 100 to 150 N95 masks every day.
According to him, an N95 mask costs around Rs 57. However, its higher price compared to surgical masks makes some customers hesitant to purchase it.
Nevertheless, a certified N95 mask with a proper fit can provide better protection against fine airborne particles. Therefore, it can be a more suitable option for people who want to reduce their exposure to pollution. However, wearing the mask correctly is equally important.
Is There a Shortage of Masks in Delhi?
With mask sales increasing rapidly, many people are wondering whether Delhi could face a shortage of masks.
However, pharmacy in-charge Neeraj said that his store currently has sufficient stocks of both surgical and N95 masks. He also explained that different companies continue to manufacture masks, helping maintain their availability in the market.
Therefore, there is currently no shortage at his pharmacy. However, if pollution levels remain high and demand continues to increase, some medical stores could experience faster stock depletion.
As a result, retailers are regularly ordering fresh supplies to meet customer demand and maintain availability.
Medical Stores Near AIIMS Selling Hundreds of Masks Daily
Suresh Goyal, the owner of a medical store near Delhi AIIMS, has also reported a sharp increase in mask sales.
According to him, his medical store sells approximately 400 to 500 N95 masks every day. Moreover, daily sales of surgical masks have reached nearly 800.
He explained that the number of customers continues to increase. Consequently, his store sometimes runs out of its mask stock within just two days.
To meet this growing demand, the store regularly orders large quantities of new masks. These figures highlight how seriously people are taking the rising pollution levels and how demand for protective products is increasing across Delhi.
Which Mask Is Better for Protection Against Air Pollution?
Choosing the right mask is important when air pollution levels remain high. People should consider not only the price but also the mask’s filtration efficiency and fitting.
Surgical masks mainly help protect against larger respiratory droplets and offer limited protection against very fine airborne particles. Therefore, they may not provide the same level of protection against pollution particles as a properly fitted respirator.
On the other hand, a certified N95 mask can filter at least 95% of airborne particles under standard testing conditions. When worn correctly with a proper seal around the nose and mouth, it offers better protection against fine particulate pollution.
Additionally, people should avoid leaving gaps around the edges of their masks. Meanwhile, they should limit outdoor activities when pollution levels become extremely high and regularly check the local Air Quality Index (AQI).
FAQ: Rising Mask Demand in Delhi-NCR
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is mask demand increasing in Delhi? | People are buying more masks to reduce their exposure to rising air pollution. |
| Which mask is selling the most in Delhi? | Surgical masks are selling in higher numbers because of their affordable prices. |
| What is the price of a surgical mask? | According to the report, a surgical mask costs approximately Rs 8 to Rs 10. |
| What is the price of an N95 mask? | According to the pharmacy in-charge, an N95 mask costs around Rs 57. |
| Is there a mask shortage in Delhi? | According to the medical store owners quoted in the report, sufficient stocks are currently available at their stores. |
| Which mask is better for protection against air pollution? | A certified N95 mask with a proper fit offers better protection against fine airborne particles. |