Without N95 Mask AQI Monitor Shows 200 In Mumbai But With Mask On This Happens | Watch

Amid a worsening pollution crisis in parts of northern India, a viral social media video has reignited debate over the effectiveness of N95 masks in protecting against air pollution.

The video, shared on

Instagram by user Aneesh Bhasin, showed a Mumbai resident conducting an experiment to demonstrate the importance of wearing an N95 mask.

In the now viral video, the man first showed the air quality index (AQI) reading reportedly at Juhu Beach using a portable air quality monitor, which showed the air quality levels between 191 and 192 — categorised as ‘poor’.

He then covered the air inlet at the back of the air quality monitor with an N95 mask. Within seconds, the AQI reading dropped sharply, eventually settling at 37. When the mask was removed, the AQI spiked again, climbing to 201.

The video, captioned “N95 masks do work,” took social media by storm, garnering over 41,000 views within a day and triggering a flurry of reactions online.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aneesh Bhasin (@aneeshb)

However, News18 do not verify the authenticity of the video or confirm the accuracy of the experiment demonstrated in the viral video.

Netizens React

Netizens responded with a mix of concern, humour and scepticism. “I won’t be surprised if the Delhi government decides to cover AQI monitors across the city with giant N95 masks instead of spraying water,” one user joked. Another asked where the AQI monitor used in the video was purchased.

Some users flagged practical challenges. “The challenge is to feel comfortable in the mask. For most, it’s suffocating,” a user commented. A medical professional weighed in, saying, “As a Respiratory Medicine resident, I wish I could play this video on a loop in my OPD. The difference between 192 and 37 is exactly what saves your lungs from long-term damage.”

Others took a more critical view, questioning systemic responses to air pollution. “Then why should the government solve pollution? They are giving new business opportunities to entrepreneurs — AQI monitors, N95 masks, air filters,” another comment read.