Every day, millions of commuters face an invisible enemy: polluted subway air. But one young designer has decided to tackle the problem head on, literally. Here's how a high-tech collar could revolutionize air quality for urban travelers.
Air quality in the subways? It can be terrible
Subways are an efficient means of urban transport, but they hide a danger to the health of passengers: the high concentration of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. This pollutant, invisible to the human eye, can have serious health consequences.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PM2.5 levels often exceed recommended limits in subways. These particles, with a diameter of less than 2,5 micrometers, are particularly treacherous because they can penetrate deeply into the lungs and even the bloodstream. With catastrophic results: million deaths per year.
The sources of underground pollution
Pollution in subways has three specific origins:
- Abrasion of wheels, tracks and brakes
- Iron-rich particles generated by friction
- Poor ventilation in platforms and tunnels
These factors contribute to an environment in which commuters are exposed to high levels of particulate matter during their daily commute.
Ventilate: the solution is around the neck
Mia Patterson Cox, recent graduate in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University, she developed “Ventilate“, a wearable air purifier specifically designed with the aim of improving air quality for subway users.
I wanted to create a product that would increase commuters' and passengers' confidence in their health when traveling on the subway by eliminating iron-rich particles in the air.
Mia Patterson Cox
The device is worn around the neck and creates a “bubble” of clean air around the user's face. How does it work? Simple. Two fans suck in the surrounding air, its polypropylene filters capture particles up to 2,5 micrometers, finally the purified air is blown in front of the user's face at 5.500 revolutions per minute.
Technical characteristics of Aerate
The design of Aerate has been carefully studied to maximize effectiveness and practicality. Up to 40 hours of use for filters, an app to monitor air quality in real time, even a system to plan routes with less pollution.
An interesting feature of Aerate is its potential positive impact on the surrounding environment. Mia explains:
I didn't want to create a product that only benefited the user. By continuously filtering out iron particles and other pollutants, Aerate helps create a better environment for all passengers traveling on subway trains.
This approach could lead to an increase in air quality in subways if the device were adopted on a large scale.
Next steps: tests and prototypes
Mia is currently conducting extensive testing to validate the effectiveness of Aerate. The results showed Aerate's ability to effectively protect users from airborne particles, indicating its potential in real-world scenarios.
The introduction of devices like this could have significant public health implications:
- Reduction of the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases linked to pollution
- Improved air quality for commuters, especially those with pre-existing conditions
- Raising awareness of the importance of air quality in public spaces
My usual doubts
Don't call me a naysayer, but it's right to also look at the critical points: will the device be cheap and accessible? How the public will welcome it (the previous ones they are not encouraging)? How will it impact commuter behavior and public transport policies?
Air quality, quality of life
Aerate is a “lateral” approach to the problem of pollution in subways. While large-scale solutions to improve air quality in underground infrastructure require time and significant investment, devices like this offer an immediate, personal solution.
Will it work? I would prefer more general approaches, but (how bad it is to say it) in times of "every man for himself" someone may be tempted to take justice, or rather health, on their own. I don't blame him.
