An air purifier that is worn around the neck and filters out the high levels of particulate matter found on underground rail networks and subways has been developed by a student at Loughborough University in the U.K.

Aptly dubbed Aerate, the device reportedly creates a clean bubble of air that surrounds a user's face and features two fans that pass air through Spunbond Polypropylene (SBPP) filters that capture particulate matter as small as 2.5 micrometers — which is roughly 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.

Source: Loughborough UniversitySource: Loughborough University

According to Mia Patterson Cox, the Industrial Design and Technology graduate who created Aerate, the device’s fans propel purified air in front of the user's face at 5,500 rotations per minute, thereby creating a continuous flow that forms a protective barrier against harmful particles during underground travel. In addition to protecting the wearer, Aerate promises to enhance air quality for other commuters.

"I purposely didn’t want to create a product that benefited only the users,” said Patterson Cox. “By continuously filtering out iron particles and other pollutants, Aerate contributes to a healthier environment for all passengers travelling on underground trains.”

Aerate works in conjunction with an accompanying app that connects to a particle sensor built into the device that promises to offer live data on particle exposure across subway systems. The app also lets the wearer know when it is time to changeout their filters, which are effective for up to 40 hours of use.

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