CSJM profs make hepa filtermask to combat coronavirus

Kanpur: Two assistant professors of Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University (CSJM) have successfully developed ‘hepa filter’ for prevention from contracting coronavirus. The two professors took about a month to develop this filter.
Assistant professors Dr Shashwat Katiyar and Dr Saurabh Mishra developed this mask with face shield keeping in view the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the city. The product developed has been lab tested and a prototype of the same has been collected by a Lucknow-based company for mass manufacturing.
The mask and face shield will protect eyes, nose and mouth from contracting any virus, including coronavirus.
Talking to TOI, Dr Mishra said, “Hepa filter is much better in preventing coronavirus infection than KN-95 masks. While KN-95 masks can hold particles or micro-organisms upto 0.3 microns, whereas hepa filter mask is able to hold 99 percent of particles of micro-organisms of same size. This gives hepa filter masks an edge over KN-95 masks.”
He also informed TOI that this filter mask can be folded and can be taken along anywhere. This hepa filter has been developed especially for children as schools are set to open from October 19. Also, this mask can be worn by people of all ages.
He further informed that there are two layers of soft poly fabric in the mask and white hepa filter is applied between the two layers.
Dr Katiyar who is also the director of the Institute of Biotechnology and Biosciences at CSJM University, informed that this mask will give protection to children at a time when schools are set to open. Also, this mask if worn by passenger in train or in crowded places, it can give them protection from contracting coronavirus.
He informed TOI that the lab testing of hepa filter mask has been done and the product is now being developed by a Lucknow based company for public use. Hepa filter mask will be available online for anywhere between Rs 100-150, said Dr Katiyar.