How Can Cyclists Avoid the Dangers of Air Pollution?

Cyclists are already doing their bit to avoid contributing to air pollution. But is there a way they can avoid the results of other people’s pollution? With cyclists still in a minority of commuters, cycling amongst the traffic means running the risk of inhaling potentially dangerous chemicals. An innovative solution might just remove or at least reduce that risk.

The risk for cyclists

It isn’t just an exaggeration. There’s evidence to suggest air pollution is actually the biggest risk to cyclists. Kings College London found that nearly 9,500 people die annually in London from constant exposure to air pollution. It means that while people emphasise the importance of a helmet, a gas mask might actually be a cyclist’s most important piece of safety equipment.

Prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter can heighten the risk of various respiratory diseases like asthma and lung cancer, and can even affect the function of the heart. Gas masks for cyclists have been proven to stop these pollutants entering the airways of cyclists, but they aren’t without their problems.

Mask the problem

Aside from looking pretty odd, cycling gas masks can make it more difficult to breathe while you’re on the bike. They can also make you get pretty sweaty, and are generally quite uncomfortable. The more serious problem is that some gas masks simply aren’t fit for purpose. At less than £1 each, some facemasks seem like a cheap solution, but actually don’t filter the air at all. It means you have to spend quite a bit just to get something that filters at least some of the pollutants out.

NOSK filter

Cue the innovative air filter from South Korean healthcare company NOSK. It’s a small nose fitting that slots into the nostrils. With a three-part filter, it stops particulate matter in its tracks while avoiding the sweaty face, discomfort and strange appearance of a face mask.

Particulate matter

It isn’t just air that is polluted by particulate matter. Water pollution is also caused by these tiny particles. While it doesn’t dissolve in the water, particulate matter can become suspended in the water or settle at the bottom of rivers and lakes. It’s dangerous to wildlife both in and around the water. ‘Side Stream Air Lift MBR Development and Successful Application of a New Generation of MBR’ explores how membrane bioreactors can be utilised in wastewater management with an increasing level of efficiency.