‘India soon to be a masking nation’: Mumbai man puts N95 mask on air quality monitor, AQI drops to almost 37; video sparks public outcry

As soon as the mask covered the air inlet, the AQI began to drop rapidly, stopping at 37.

In the viral video, the man first showed the AQI in his area, which is Juhu Beach (Image source: @LazarusLong13/Instagram)

Air pollution in India has been grabbing global attention with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surging over 400 in the Delhi-NCR region. However, major cities, including Mumbai, are also battling air pollution, with several residents raising the issue on social media. Amid several videos capturing the hazardous sight of smog, a video of a Mumbai man conducting an experiment with an N95 mask has gone viral.

In the viral video, the man first showed the AQI in his area, which is Juhu Beach. As per an air quality monitor, the AQI was between 191 and 192- “almost 200”. The man then covers the monitor’s air inlet. As soon as the mask covered the air inlet, the AQI began to drop rapidly, stopping at 37.

The man then removes the mask from the back of the air quality monitor, after which the AQI surges to 201. Sharing the video, an X handle @LazarusLong13 wrote, “India soon to be a Masking Nation. Mumbai Man Puts N95 Mask On Air Quality Monitor– AQI Drops From Almost 200 To… And the N95 wasn’t even tight.”

Watch the viral video here:

India soon to be a Masking Nation.

Mumbai Man Puts N95 Mask On Air Quality Monitor– AQI Drops From Almost 200 To…

And the N95 wasn’t even tight. pic.twitter.com/JkBrv02N8x

— Lazarus Long (@LazarusLong13) December 20, 2025

The video quickly went viral, garnering a range of reactions. “If public doesn’t develop habits and change in their lifestyle then it very right nobody can stop to be a Masking nation,” a user wrote.

Also Read | ‘Escape from toxic AQI’: Viral video shows Rohtang Pass jammed with vehicles; off-season rush sparks ‘overtourism’ concerns

“Last week, I started wearing a mask because I am finding it very difficult breathing. Having an allergic cough every other day so masking was the only way out. And it’s been better since last week. I am from Mumbai,” another user commented.

“Mumbai is much better than the northern states in terms of AQI,” a third user argued.

Meanwhile, air pollution levels in Delhi deteriorated sharply on Sunday, reaching dangerously close to the “severe” category. Among the worst-affected areas were Chandni Chowk (455), Wazirpur (449), Rohini (444), Jahangirpuri (444), Anand Vihar (438), and Mundka (436), all of which fell under the “severe” pollution category.