Hayleys launches 'Oxypura' activated carbon face masks

NEW PRODUCT: Activated carbon-impregnated air purifying face masks that effectively protect users against inhalation of noxious gasses and particulate matter, have been introduced to the Sri Lankan market for the first time by the Hayleys Group.

The masks, branded 'Oxypura' are manufactured by the Haycarb subsidiary Puritas Limited, and will initially be available in three types - Oxypura City, Oxypura Agro and Oxypura Industrial, each with customised multi-layer protection to shield users from the specific atmospheric pollutants they are exposed to in their daily routines.

Each type of mask has a pollutant-specific activated carbon filter sandwiched between two particulate matter filters, which filter out harmful gasses and particles enabling users to breathe clean and odourless air, thanks to the magical adsorption qualities of activated carbon.

"Many of the face masks available in the local market provide minimal protection against particulate matter and absolutely no protection against harmful gasses," said Puritas Director Dr. Yohan Weerasuriya. "These masks have simple fabric or sponge filters inside and are hardly better than a handkerchief across the nose and mouth."

He explained that the filter of activated carbon in granular form provides a simple yet sophisticated filter and purifying agent that acts as a barrier against most pollutants, while allowing clean air through.

"Activated carbon is widely used in water and air purification all over the world. The activated carbon with enhanced properties used in these filters is produced with the latest technology," he said. Tests conducted on the Oxypura CITY mask by the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) have established that it effectively filters up to 99 per cent of Sulphur Dioxide, one of the biggest air pollutants in Colombo and major cities.

The mask is intended for motorcyclists, traffic police personnel, trishaw drivers, walkers and joggers, road workers and others exposed to vehicle emissions.

The Oxypura Agro mask has an activated carbon filter customised to adsorb most aerosol dispersed pollutants from agrochemicals such as pesticides and weedicides, and has been designed for farmers and estate workers.

Oxypura Industrial is customised for factory and industrial workers involved in spray painting, printing, carpentry, manufacture of fibreglass, coir, ceramics, rubber products, or are in the garment industry.