Scientists have actually randomized people to wear N95 or regular surgical masks, then tracked how many people got infected with viruses similar to COVID-19 such as the flu. This data can tell us whether N95 or surgical masks are more effective at preventing infection of respiratory viruses including COVID-19. The …
With the shortage of masks during the coronavirus outbreak, many people are wondering if washing masks is an effective way of cleaning and re-using masks. There are companies that claim to have washable anti-pollution masks. This company in India claims to have washable masks washable and can capture air pollution, …
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 masks (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 …
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 …
Scientific tests have found that simple pollution masks are incredibly effective, but how long do masks last? Most tests are done with brand new masks, so there’s very little data on used ones. And in that data vacuum, people have wildly different ideas about how masks remain effective. I’ve seen …
As cities like Delhi, Beijing and Manila face toxic levels of air pollution, people are rushing to find effective pollution masks, particularly kid’s masks. But there’s a problem. Children’s faces are different from adults’. Add to that, children are constantly growing, meaning that the mask that fit last year might …
In recent months, the Japanese Pitta masks have seen a surge in popularity in Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in India, the US and South Korea. They look sleek, but I wanted to review whether the Pitta masks actually work, and how effective is the …
Hong Kong doesn’t come to mind when people think of air pollution. However, the data tells a different story–one that has important implications for Hong Kongers’ health. Hong Kong’s Air Pollution in Numbers I just analyzed data on Hong Kong’s pollution data and found that PM2.5 averaged 30 micrograms in 2018. …
Over 100 years after “London Fog,” is London’s air safe? I just analyzed data on London’s PM2.5 air pollution—tiny particles in the air measuring 2.5 microns and below. In 2018, London averaged 12 micrograms of PM2.5, that’s higher than the World Health Organisation annual limit. What Does That Mean? Based …
New analysis from Smart Air shows that China is making progress on its “war on air pollution.” PM2.5 air pollution was down in 14 out of China’s 15 largest cities. Yet one region saw far more progress than the rest. South Sees Modest Air Quality Gains In southern China, from …
