You have undoubtedly seen them:Asian tourists with a mouth cap. Exaggerated, or do these people have a good point?
Air quality
An ENT doctor informs de Volkskrant that there are actually few people in the Netherlands who experience acute problems due to particulate matter. The air quality here is a lot better than in many Chinese cities.
Particulate matter standards
In Shanghai and Beijing, the concentration of particulate matter is between 60 and 70 micrograms per cubic meter. In the Netherlands it varies between 15 and 20 micrograms per cubic meter. The World Health Organization sets a standard of up to 25 micrograms.
Prevent infections
In a busy environment, a face mask can help to prevent infections. Think, for example, of an airplane:a closed cabin in which you sit with many people. Even if you have hay fever complaints, a mouth cap could in some cases provide relief, because it stops pollen.
