A face wrap containing a growable air filter. The filter is planted instead of thrown out and grows into an indian mustard plant that absorbs particulate matter in the soil.

Air pollution is a fatal environmental issue. And while the policy is the most effective method of reduction, millions die each year before these plans come into effect. Personal protective devices provide safe air to the population immediately, but the construction and waste generation of these synthetic fabric-based devices inherently produce further air pollution.

Pollulate not only protects an individual from unhealthy air when worn but further protects their surrounding environment from additional generation of air pollution. When the filter can no longer be used, its growable technology absorbs the pollutants collected.

Seen On...

Globally, unhealthy air quality is responsible for 4.2 million deaths annually. In areas of developing industry, economic activity, and population, civilians are exposed to alarming levels of pollutants. These residents are susceptible to catastrophic health effects. While the global issue of air pollution is most effectively controlled through communal action, policies limiting sources from producing pollutants require years to reach the effect of reducing health impacts for the population. Personal protective devices (PPE) are urgently needed to deliver healthy air to the population immediately.

The air quality index (AQI), organized by the world health organization, is a framework to quantify the level of unhealthy air in an environment. Ratings range from 0 to 500. An air quality rating above 100 is considered unsuitable for humans. 9 out of every 10 humans lives in air quality considered unsatisfactory.

To design and develop a solution providing acceptable air quality to civilians in urban settings. The design solution will achieve this by separating healthy air from pollutants or protecting exposure to harmful air. In addition, the design solution will provide a sustainable element to limit further production of air pollution.

The Process:

Five concepts were created in the first pass toward a design solution. With each concept, a subsequent test or research point is included for the validity of the idea.

A survey was conducted to determine concept direction based on interest from a user group. After a brief introduction to each concept, a series of questions were asked to indicate the user’s preference for comfort, style, performance, etc.

Through testing, Pollulate remains comfortable among different face shapes and sizes while supporting the growable air filter.

Unhealthy air quality is an immense concern. Air pollution is a fatal environmental issue. And while policy is the most effective method of reduction, millions die each year before these plans come into effect. Personal protective devices provide safe air for the population immediately, but the construction and waste generation of these synthetic fabric-based devices inherently produces further air pollution. Pollulate not only protects an individual from unhealthy air when worn, but further protects their surrounding environment from additional generation of air pollution. When the filter can no longer be used, its growable technology absorbs of the pollutants collected.

When designing a protective wearable device, I learned to further refine my process. Initially starting with a direction for nose plugs, through quantifiable testing, I was able to rely on data to make my decisions and arrive at a more impactful direction to solve the problems of the adverse environment of focus. Through this testing driven process, my design solution was able to be developed on a deeper level. Moving forward I would like to further develop the systematical context of my design solution. I see the potential for Pollulate to be issued on a greater level and rather than purchased and planted by an individual consumer, there’s an opportunity for larger-scale collection and planting for further impact to irradicating pollution.