South Korean company LG Electronics has developed a battery-powered face mask to ensure fresh supply of air and address breathing complications.
The mask called PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier, comes with two air filters - similar to those used in home air purifiers - and a special case that disinfects the mask with ultra-violet light.
“At a time when consumers are seeking ways to make life safer and more convenient, it’s important that we are able to offer solutions that add measureable value,” Dan Song, president of LG Electronics, said.
“The PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier is an exciting addition to our growing line-up of products designed to deliver meaningful health and hygiene benefits,” he added.
The mask will be available in the fourth quarter of the year in select markets, according to the company. It did not disclose the price.
Wearing face masks or coverings has become a key mandate or recommendation of governments globally for people in public settings.
When properly worn, masks can stem the spread of the virus through the mouth by up to 90 per cent, according to a study by the University of Edinburgh.
The market of protective gear is booming and companies are increasingly becoming more innovative as they seek to capitalise on the growing opportunities. The global sale of disposable masks is set to increase to $166bn (Dh609.2bn) this year, from around $800 million in 2019, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
The global personal protective equipment market including masks, gowns and gloves is expected to balloon to $93bn in 2027 from $52bn last year, according to data specialist Statista.
LG’s new mask comes with dual fans that allow users to take in clean and filtered air. They are fitted with patented respiratory sensors that detect the cycle and volume of the wearer’s breath and adjust fan speed accordingly.
The fans automatically speed up to assist air intake and slow down to reduce resistance when exhaling to make breathing effortless, LG said.
“Designed based on extensive facial shape analysis, they fit snugly on the user’s face to minimise air leakage around the nose and chin. The design also makes it possible to wear the unit comfortably for hours on end,” it added.
They come with lightweight 820 milliampere hours battery that offers up to eight hours of operation in low mode and two hours on high.
The one-of-a-kind case can charge the mask and send notifications to Android and iOS mobile apps, when filters need to be replaced.
All components of the PuriCare Wearable – from the filters to the ear straps – are replaceable and recyclable, according to the company.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about increased pollution as a result of disposable single-use masks. About 75 per cent of used masks, as well as other pandemic-related waste, will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas. The UN Environment Programme estimates in addition to the environmental damage, the impact on tourism and fisheries is about $40bn.
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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You Were Never Really Here
Director: Lynne Ramsay
Starring: Joaquim Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov
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MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Tackling money goals one at a time cost financial literacy expert Barbara O'Neill at least $1 million.
That's how much Ms O'Neill, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University in the US, figures she lost by starting saving for retirement only after she had created an emergency fund, bought a car with cash and purchased a home.
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People do not realise how costly the words "as soon as" can be. Paying off debt is a worthy goal, but it should not come at the expense of other goals, particularly saving for retirement. The sooner money is contributed, the longer it can benefit from compounded returns. Compounded returns are when your investment gains earn their own gains, which can dramatically increase your balances over time.
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
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1. Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita Park, June 5, 2016
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6. Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream Park, January 28, 2017
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- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
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- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Look north
BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
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T20 World Cup Qualifier A, Muscat
Friday, February 18: 10am - Oman v Nepal, Canada v Philippines; 2pm - Ireland v UAE, Germany v Bahrain
Saturday, February 19: 10am - Oman v Canada, Nepal v Philippines; 2pm - UAE v Germany, Ireland v Bahrain
Monday, February 21: 10am - Ireland v Germany, UAE v Bahrain; 2pm - Nepal v Canada, Oman v Philippines
Tuesday, February 22: 2pm – semi-finals
Thursday, February 24: 2pm – final
UAE squad: Ahmed Raza (captain), Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Raja Akifullah, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Zafar Farid, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Rahul Bhatia
All matches to be streamed live on icc.tv
