Mist hits the city, gas mask is very busy

Recently, a well-known writer on Weibo posted a humorous yet thought-provoking comment: "The furthest distance in the world is not between life and death, but walking hand in hand in the streets of Beijing and still being unable to see you." This statement subtly highlights the persistent smog that has been affecting people's lives and health across the country. The thick haze has become more than just an environmental issue—it's now a daily challenge for millions.

Faced with worsening air quality, the public has started taking proactive measures to protect themselves. On Taobao, dust masks have become one of the most searched items, with over 80,000 units sold this month alone. People are no longer just buying basic face masks; they're investing in high-quality protective gear to shield themselves from harmful particles in the air.

It’s not uncommon to see people wearing gas masks in subways, on buses, or even walking on the street. Though these masks—equipped with specialized filters and designed to cover both nose and mouth—are often seen as overkill compared to regular face masks, those living in heavily polluted areas have little choice. For them, it's not about fashion or exaggeration—it's about survival.

A man working in Beijing shared a photo online showing himself wearing a gas mask, comparing it to a Transformer. He wrote, “I had chronic bronchitis symptoms for three days before finally getting a special dust-proof respirator. The positive and negative pressure tests were normal, and theoretically, it can block particles larger than 0.075 microns. The silicone seal stuck tightly to my face, but I find myself using it less and less these days.”

In an effort to raise awareness about the severity of air pollution, some netizens have taken to writing poetry. One such poem reads: “Houde carries fog, self-strength does not suck, buns work hard, and creates ash yellow again.” It’s a witty way to mock the pollution that plagues major cities and calls for change.

As the smog continues to affect daily life, choosing the right protective equipment becomes crucial. Not all masks are created equal, and selecting a reliable gas mask with proper filtration is essential for those who want to stay safe in the polluted environment.

China Labor Insurance Network