London: Mia Patterson Cox, a graduate student at Loughborough University in the UK, has created a groundbreaking product called Aerate, a wearable air purifier designed for underground train passengers. This device effectively filters out harmful particles, providing users with a clean bubble of breathable air around their faces. The air quality on underground trains can often be poor, therefore this invention is a great solution for commuters seeking a cleaner journey.
Mia's inspiration for Aerate came from her own experiences on London’s underground trains. She said, "I frequently felt uncomfortable in the hot, stuffy environment and noticed dust around my nostrils after travelling, which made me uneasy about the time I spent on the network. This prompted me to investigate the pollution problem."
Her goal was to develop a product that enhances commuters' health confidence by removing iron-rich particles from the air while travelling underground.
The poor air quality in underground trains poses a hidden health risk, primarily due to PM2.5—tiny particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in size. These particles, around 30 times smaller than a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
The main sources of this pollution in underground environments include abrasion from wheels, tracks, and brakes, generating iron-rich dust. Inadequate ventilation further worsens the situation, exposing commuters to unhealthy levels of PM2.5 during their journeys.
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