I remember very well my time in Delhi when air pollution levels regularly peaked in November and were quite unbearable throughout winter. Since then air pollution in Delhi has even got worse. But Delhi is not the only metropolis where the air is hardly breathable any more.

Now I just read that Philips India, well in advance of the next “autumn pollution season”, has launched a new face mask that also works as an air purifier for the Indian market. In China, this mask seems to have already been available in 2020.

According to Philips, its Fresh Air Mask combines excellent breathing comfort and strong filtration performance that shall protect from rising air pollution levels in the country. There is however no information whether the mask also provides protection against the COVID-19 virus and it’s variants.

A new dimension of personal wearable…

As a new dimension of personal wearable it comes in nice colours in a “contemporary design” as Philips calls it.

… but not affordable for everyone

The cost of around 90 USD (6,990 INR) is quite substantial. Moreover, adding to the initial investment costs, the filters need to be changed regularly.

This looks like another technical solution to address the symptoms of what is wrong in our environment rather then the causes, but only for some.