The outbreak of the coronavirus led to a surge in interest in how to disinfect masks, as well as Google searches for “wash N95 mask” and “clean N95 mask.” Yet answers to this question are in short supply. The standard guidelines say to throw masks out and use new ones. But the standard guidelines are […]
Author: Paddy Robertson
Paddy is the CEO of Smart Air, running operations from Beijing. He's has a Masters in aeronautical engineering from Bristol University, UK having specialised in aerodynamics. An advocate for open data, free information and transparent business, he spends his spare time promoting honest business and social enterprise.
Is Washing Masks Effective After Virus Exposure?
With the shortage of masks during the coronavirus outbreak, many people are wondering if washing masks is an effective way of cleaning them, to let you re-use them. There are companies that claim to have washable anti-pollution masks. This company in India claims their mask is washable and can capture air pollution, bacteria, and “germs.” […]
Comparison of Mask Standards, Ratings, and Filtration Effectiveness
Mask standards can be confusing: N95, FFP1, P2, or surgical mask? This quick run-down covers mask types, mask ratings, and their effectiveness at filtering particles. First off, let’s start with mask types (or certification types). In general, there are 3 (or sometimes 4) types of commonly used, disposable masks. They are single-use face masks, surgical […]
DIY Masks: Is Paper Towel Effective at Blocking Viruses?
In a recent study, researchers tested household materials that could be used to make DIY masks, but they left out one common material—paper towel (also called “kitchen paper”). Could paper towel be an effective material for making homemade masks in times of crisis and shortages? Smart Air Engineer Paddy tested its effectiveness in the Smart Air […]
What Are The Best Materials for Making DIY Masks?
With masks sold out during the coronavirus outbreak, many people will have to make do with what some scientists have called “the last resort”: the DIY mask. Data shows that DIY and homemade masks are effective at capturing viruses. But if forced to make our own mask, what material is best suited to make a […]
Believe It Or Not: Beijing Pollution Worsens Despite Coronavirus Shutdown
Recent news reports have proclaimed a dramatic reduction in China’s air pollution along with the coronavirus lockdown, yet data shows Beijing has actually seen pollution levels rise during this period. The headlines are based on images from NASA, finding that air pollution dropped 10-30% compared to the same period in 2019. NO2 Pollution Levels […]
Can DIY Masks Protect Us from Coronavirus?
DIY masks to protect against from viruses sounds like a crazy idea. Data shows masks work incredibly well, and they’re also really cheap. Surgical masks cost a few pennies, and they’re capable of filtering out 80% of particles down to 0.007 microns (14 times smaller than the coronavirus). However, the coronavirus outbreak brought with it […]
Can Air Purifiers Filter Out The Coronavirus?
Following the outbreak of coronavirus, millions of people flocked to buy face masks to protect themselves from the virus. Data shows face masks can protect you from the coronavirus, but can air purifiers also capture coronavirus particles? What’s in Your Typical Air Purifier? Most air purifiers are made up of two things: a fan and […]
Can Masks Protect People from The Coronavirus?
With the outbreak of the coronavirus in China in early 2020, millions of people have to become experts masks overnight. Yet masks are complicated. Which masks can protect me from viruses? Do surgical masks filter the coronavirus? Do I have to use an N95 mask to protect me from viruses like the coronavirus? Fortunately, scientists […]
Can Japanese Pitta masks protect against Coronavirus?
With the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, interest has surged in Japanese Pitta masks. Smart Air has received a flood of questions about how well they filter the coronavirus and other viruses. The Japanese Pitta masks are sleek and incredibly popular, but there’s little information available on how well they filter out tiny […]
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