UK firm to supply air pollution masks to Nepal’s police force

The Cambridge Mask Company has secured £5.5m in deals that will see their high-tech air pollution masks used around the world, including Nepal’s police force.

Nepal has seen rapid urbanisation in recent years and according to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) has the worst air quality in the world. The masks, which have been developed alongside experts from the UK’s Ministry of Defence, will be worn by police officers in Kathmandu.

It’s claimed the masks remove 99.6% of viruses, 99.7% of bacteria and 99% of harmful gas & particulates.

The company has been advised by the Department of International Trade and in 2019 has also signed deals with India, Thailand and South Korea.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, said: ‘It is great to see innovative British companies like the Cambridge Mask Company tackling global problems and helping safeguard the lives of people across the world.’

CEO Christopher Dobbing said he set up the company after working in Beijing and being shocked by the levels of pollution.

‘Globally, air pollution kills seven million people per year according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) — more than murders, suicides and car crashes combined,’ he said.

‘There is a ready appetite for quality British products which can help with this problem, and we are grateful to the Department for International Trade for helping us take advantage of global opportunities for our company.’

The company also makes masks for the general public which are used by cyclists and urban residents protecting themselves from pollution.

The Cambridge Mask Company recently launched a $32,000 crowdfunding effort for a ‘smart mask’ that can actively monitor the air quality of its users and tell its users when to change the mask filters.

Photo Credit – Cambridge Mask Company.