Pollution Masks

I thought the same (re:size of particles).

These look halfway decent: https://cambridgemask.com - apparently filter 99% of PM2.5 and P.M0.3

Very expensive for what they are: disposable masks. The 3m-9925 has p2 protection and a carbon filter and comes in at £40 for a pack of ten. Obviously, it doesn't look as cool as the Cambridge ones. http://www.respiratorshop.co.uk/3m-9925-ffp2-valved-welding-fume-respirator-10-box.html

I also don't see any ISO standard certification on the Cambridge mask site. 3M and the other industrial suppliers have years of experience making and testing these things. There are often real and immediate consequences for their customers if they fail.

Pretty sure the 3m ones filter upto 95% of particles, whereas the cambridge ones will do up to 99%.. bit academic if you can't get the fit right though, obviously.

You can measure black carbon and not do a biopsy.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22362851

Is there a mask that anyone can recommend? My 9 mile commute across central London is giving me sore throats and headaches. Would prefer a mask I can easily take off when going through the parks or on quiet streets but easily put back on on the big bus routes etc. Cambridge mask co appears to have ceased trading.

I came to this thread hoping to find out about anti-pollution masks and their efficacy but am non the wiser, so not really sure what to do?

Since this warm weather we've been having this last week I've really noticed the poor air quality in central London and it seems to be having a bad effect on me. I've had a sore throat for several days now but no onset of a cold, also I sometimes get this weak feeling in my lungs and I'm shit scared to inhale deeply so VO2 max isn't exactly helped either.
I was in Regents yesterday doing a little recovery ride and the amount of vehicles in there was astounding! they should do like the Mall on Sundays and stop cars from entering so that we can breath properly at least once a week.
Wasn't the congestion charge sold as an anti pollution measure? since the advent of those poxy Uber cabs it seems like there is more gridlock than ever.

Lastly, what is the general opinion of wearing scuba tanks for cycling?

are you asthmatic... is it being managed with medication? i'm asthmatic and I've found managing my medication especially in the summer months to be more effective than using masks. (however this may be for the most part cos I'm a mouth breather and don't like the way the masks stop me doing a friendly smile or a shouty shout).

I'm not a diagnosed/registered asthmatic.

I've never been a hay fever sufferer either although that horrible brown tree pollen stuff can get to me when I'm riding.

However I do think I may have some kind of exercise induced issues because I suffer from irritations more when I'm on the bike. But then again I am a deep mouth breather also.

Perhaps I should put my big nose to more efficient use?

There are a few examples of masks over the last couple of posts that you could try. If you're suffering, spend a few quid on a cheap industrial mask and see if it makes a difference over a week.