The prototype self-cleaning mask resembles a standard N95 facial mask
Haifa, Israel:
Israeli researchers say they invented a reusable face mask that can kill coronavirus with heat by drawing power from a cell phone charger.
The disinfection process takes about 30 minutes – and users should not wear the mask when plugged in, said Professor Yair Ein-Eli, who led the research team at Technion University in Haifa.
The new mask has a USB port that connects to a power source such as a standard cell phone charger that heats an inner layer of carbon fiber to 70 degrees Celsius (158 Fahrenheit), high enough to kill viruses.
Ein-Eli said that disposable masks, which were in high demand worldwide during the health crisis, were neither economical nor environmentally friendly.
“You have to make it reusable and user-friendly, and that’s our solution,” he said.
Professor Allon Moses, an infectious disease specialist at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, said there was “no question” that half an hour exposure to 70 degrees heat would kill the coronavirus.
But he warned that repeated warm-ups could “damage the mask’s paper or fabric and spoil his ability to protect himself from disease in the future.”
During testing, the prototype was exposed to 20 heating cycles, each for half an hour, with no impact on durability, said Ein-Eli.
“We can guarantee it for up to a few dozen cycles, without any risk,” he added.
The prototype resembles a standard N95 facial mask, with a valve on the front and bands to hold it in place around the head.
Researchers filed a patent for the mask in the United States in late March and say they are discussing the commercialization of the product with the private sector.
Researchers say it will likely sell for a premium of $ 1 over the price of a typical disposable face mask.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
