[The use of anti-pollution masks in daily life - a review]

"Anti-pollution" masks are a form of personal protective equipment intended to ensure filtration of ambient particulate air pollution.

Although according to tests performed in the lab, their filtration power is high, the filtering efficiency of these masks in real conditions of use, that is to say, during physical effort, is generally lower than that established in the laboratory and this information is rarely available on commercial products on sale. Clinical studies, which are rarely double-blind, demonstrate a lower incidence of symptoms and a somewhat better cardiac performance when exercise is performed while wearing a mask. For short-term use, the tolerance of these masks is fair.

There is room for technical improvements in mask design improved fitting to the face, lowering inspiratory resistance and dead space, as well as preventing the accumulation of humidity on the mask. Manufacturers should include information in their packaging on the filtering power and design masks usable by children. Clinical studies should be performed to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of mask in susceptible populations, especially people with asthma.

Anti-pollution filtering face piece respirators have a theoretical high filtering power towards particles, but their efficiency in real-life conditions is more limited. Because such devices may confer to users a false sense of protection, the French agency on environment and health do not support their use.