Face masks have become an integral part of human life in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are also used by individuals with chronic respiratory issues to filter harmful pollutants from the air. However, at times, high levels of air purification are not necessary, particularly outdoors when pollution rates decrease, or during physical exercises requiring a significant amount of oxygen.
The scientific journal "ACS Nano," published by the American Chemical Society, reported that a team of researchers has developed a smart mask capable of adapting to different environmental conditions, controlling the amount of air that passes through it based on usage variations and pollution levels.
The smart mask is made of electrically conductive nanofibers that contain microscopic pores, which can expand to allow more air in or contract to reduce the amount of air passing through. Experiments have shown that the efficiency loss in air purification when using this mask does not exceed six percent.
The smart mask connects wirelessly to an external computer equipped with artificial intelligence technology to measure air pollution levels and monitor any changes in the user’s breathing pattern, allowing it to adjust the mask's specifications according to the user's needs and surrounding pollution conditions.
Researchers indicate, in statements reported by the technology-focused website "Science Daily," that the settings of the mask can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each user, paving the way for the creation of masks with individual specifications suited to each person. They added that in the future, it may be possible to modify the design of these masks to make them lighter and smaller, minimizing discomfort during wear.
