Aeris copper-infused mask with an integrated filter
A South African startup company has launched a patent-pending offering for cloth masks with filter inserts, which incorporate porous copper materials that are said to provide antiviral properties. In addition, a copper-infused mask with an integrated filter, is also on offer.
It is thought that copper ion release and the generation of reactive oxygen species, or ROS, are responsible for the inactivation of the coronavirus on copper and copper alloy surfaces.
The Aeris multi-layer copper-containing filter can be used in any layered cloth mask as an intermediary drop-in copper filter, providing an additional layer of protection for the wearer.
Aeris Masks also designs a fully integrated mask that incorporates the copper infused filter into the design of the mask, creating a single unit.
The company emanates from Somerset West-based energy research and development firm, Elektron Energy. Its in-house design of cloth masks aims to provide a comfortable seal around areas adjacent to the mouth and nose, which are particularly susceptible to exposure. The masks feature a patent-pending filter pod which comprises a mixture of multi-layered filter elements and copper layers, aimed at ensuring that the antiviral properties of copper are applied to the areas of the filters that could be exposed to the airborne Covid-19 virus.
The company asserts that its drop-in filter is an inexpensive way of improving the effectiveness of ordinary cloth masks. It aims to increase production in order to supply more advanced, reusable, washable masks to essential workers and to those returning to work. In addition, it hopes to initiate high volume exports to neighbouring countries, while also increasing local job creation.