With masks in short supply, many people are being forced to re-use masks. That means the idea of microwaving masks has gone from a crazy-sounding idea to a critically practical question: Does microwaving masks deactivate the coronavirus and viruses? Another reason this question is critical: Smart Air tests found that washing N95 masks with soap […]
Clean Air Blog • Page 1
What’s a Reliable Way to Disinfect Masks from Viruses Without Harming Effectiveness?
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 […]
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?
Update 4th April: This article has had a huge number of hits from people looking for the best face mask material. The list of materials here is not complete. We are now working hard to test MORE mask materials for DIY volunteers out there. Unfortunately, our list of materials to test is long, so we […]
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 […]
N95 Masks vs. Surgical Masks: Which Is Better at Preventing The Coronavirus?
Scientists have actually randomized people to wear N95 or regular surgical masks, then tracked how many people got infected with colds and flus similar to the coronavirus. This data can tell us whether N95 or surgical masks are more effective at preventing transmission of viruses. The results surprised me. Coronavirus & Mask Livestream Wondering whether […]
Why is Beijing polluted in February despite inactivity?
Beijing became a ghost town in late January, an expected phenomenon for Chinese New Year. In 2020, however, Chinese New Year coincided with the rapid spread of Covid-19. Beijingers out of town could not return, while those in town were advised to stay home. Cars were still off the road, and most places remain closed […]
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