This IIT-Delhi start-up offers pollution fix for just Rs. 10
With 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities in India, it is one of the most polluted countries. The national capital itself is so polluted, that breathing in Delhi is just the same as smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day. However, an IIT-Delhi start-up is looking to give people a chance to lead a healthier life, despite the pollution, for just Rs. 10.
An IIT-Delhi start-up, Nanoclean Global Private Limited, has created a small, low-cost, nasal nano filter, that simply sticks to your nose and filters out PM2.5 (atmospheric particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micrometers). The filter was created by a team of IIT-Delhi graduates Prateek Sharma, Tushar Vyas, and Jatin Kewlani, also including faculty members Prof Ashwini Agrawal and Prof Manjeet Jassal.
Nanofilters uses nanofibers, reducing the filter's thread diameter hundred-fold, hence, also reducing its pore size. As a result, these filters can block 90% PM2.5 and 95% PM10 particles. Nanofilters, which are available in 30 countries, are near-invisible, and also aren't as uncomfortable as its alternatives.
Nasofilters is the brainchild of Prateek Sharma, who grew up in Bikaner, Rajasthan. For years, Sharma watched his own mother struggle with asthma before he came up with the idea for Nasofilters. He told The Better India that he tried getting her masks and nose-insertion buds, but she always complained that masks made her look sick and the buds were a discomfort.
Apart from being relatively more effective in blocking out smaller air pollutants and being cheaper as well, Nasofilters are also made out of a biodegradable polymer. The filters also do not restrict breathing, eating, or speaking, unlike other face masks. Additionally, each Nasofilter can be worn for around 24 hours. According to TBI, the Nanoclean patented this innovation two months ago.
Additionally, Nanoclean has also created a filter for ACs that can instantly turn them into air purifiers. Although ACs already have filters, their pore-size doesn't necessarily block out a major portion of air pollutants. However, Nanoclean's AC filters (also PM2.5) can simply be placed over the pre-existing filter screens, turning them into air purifiers, all for a very affordable Rs. 400.
Further, Nanoclean AC filters, compatible with both window and split ACs, can reduce dust, allergens, etc., in a room by 90% within an hour. It's easy to install and can last up to two months, adding no extra electricity costs to your bill.
Nanoclean also offers a 'Nasofilters Pollution Net,' a mesh which can be installed on windows/doors to block out dust, pollen, mosquitoes, etc., and even offer UV-protection. This product would cost you Rs. 200 per sq ft. The outer-layer is a hydrophobic mesh, so it also offers water-resistance. This net can be cleaned with a simple cloth and can last up to five years.
For their innovations, in 2017, Nanoclean has been awarded the National Startups Award by former President Pranab Mukherjee. Nanoclean was also listed among top 25 technical start-ups from over 118 countries by the Republic of Korea, and top 100 start-ups by the Hong Kong government.
