Pollution mask for commuting

Jambonjunior

Does anyone here use a pollution mask?

I find the traffic fumes are bad once I'm in the city centre and I'm wondering if it's worth getting a mask.

On the other hand, I don't want to look like McBain. And I'm not sure how effective most of the cheaper ones are.

Weepsie

Do you find them bad when walking around? If not it's probably a waste of time.

You're at greater risk sitting in a car

Marty Bird

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286401/pollution-mask-for-commuting

I have to admit in all the years cycling to work the other day I was thinking of getting one, some amount of really dirty cars of late.

magicbastarder

getting a mask can't do any harm - i used to wear one many years ago, which took carbon filters. one issue i found was that on cold mornings, they'd clog up with condensation after maybe half or three quarters of an hour (it was a 22km commute)

Cabaal

As already stated there's a greater risk if you are sitting in a car and don't have recycled air on especially in bumper to bumper traffic, as a cyclist your biggest issue is likely from buses/trucks as you pass. Otherwise you likely have less exposure then a pedestrian since you are passing through an area faster.

In saying that, wearing one of course won't do you any harm

ednwireland

Used to use a respro one when I commuted in England. Still have it. It was useful back in the day of leaded petrol. Sorted out my streaming nose.

magicbastarder

I still use mine in the shed for woodworking.

Flinty997

Pick a less busy route even if its slightly longer. That's what I did.