Main image via Reuters
With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, it’s extremely important that we all still play our parts in doing what we can to curb the spread of the virus and that includes practicing social distancing and wearing face masks in public.
Now, researchers have taken matters of health and safety a step further by inventing a reusable face mask that’s able to kill viruses – including COVID-19, just by using a mobile phone charger!
via GIPHY
Researchers in Israel report that they’ve invented a reusable face mask that can kill viruses with heat by drawing power from a mobile phone charger.
According to Professor Yair Ein-Eli, who led the research team at Technion University in Haifa, the disinfecting process takes about 30 minutes but users should not wear the mask while it’s plugged in.
Image via FMT
The self-heating mask comes equipped with a USB port that connects to a power source such as a standard mobile phone charger that heats an inner layer of carbon fibres to up to 70°C, high enough to kill viruses.
Image via Reuters
Professor Yair noted that disposable masks, while in high demand globally during the pandemic, are not economically or environmentally friendly.
“You have to make it reusable and (environementally) friendly, and this is our solution,” he said about the invention.
Image via Reuters
The prototype currently looks like a standard N95 face mask, with a valve at the front and rubber bands to hold it in place around the head.
The researchers have submitted a patent for the mask in the United States in late March and are currently discussing commercializing the product with the private sector.
Image via Reuters
According to the researchers, these self-heating masks will likely sell at a US$1 (RM4.26) premium over the price of a typical disposable face mask.
Image via Reuters
We’d definitely want one of these masks when they become available!
What are your thoughts on the virus-killing mask? Would you get one? Let us know!
Info via Reuters
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