Air Quality 1 – Elderslie High School
We decided to complete our project focused on air quality and specifically smoke from bush fires. Smoke masks that effectively filter out smoke particles are expensive and bulky to wear. We designed a new mask with a specially created carbon filter that is more cost-effective and comfortable to wear. The mask has many features that make it more comfortable, such as a cooling valve, fabric covered elastic and a shape that fits the face better. The carbon filter consists of multiple layers of activated carbon sheets which effectively filter out smoke particles and the chemicals in smoke. The filter is replaceable and the mask itself is washable so the mask is reusable. Our special mask gives people a more comfortable and cost-effective mask to use when they are affected by smoke and other air pollution.
When coming up with a solution for the problem, we had trouble with time management and trying to create a final solution that fit into the criteria that we had created. We continued our research and asked more questions in order to generate our solution and we worked twice as hard to get it done in time.
There are many benefits to our mask including cost and reusability. Our mask is a cheaper smoke mask that still works as well as other, more expensive masks. This means that anyone can comfortably buy our mask and still protect themselves from smoke and the chemicals in it. Our mask is also reusable so therefore, it is better for the environment and will help reduce the number of disposable masks. The cooling valve can be made from recycled plastic and this reduces the amount of plastic wasted every year. People who live in bushfire affected areas can use our mask to protect themselves while also being comfortable and not spending a fortune on a mask.
Claire, Mickayla