The Smog Solution for Hipsters: Wearable Technology

Bangkok has is being hit hard by smog. The smog situation is so bad some days the skyline is nothing short of a dystopian horizon you see in sci-fi movies or anime. Air pollution isn’t something new, and sure, the best way to fight it is to not generate pollution. But, for the time being, making pollution protective masks fashionable isn’t a bad idea.

Recently, the toxic smog shrouding over Bangkok’s mornings have been so bad that it is virtually noticeable to everyone, whether by sight, or the sharp pinching feeling that flares up the nostrils and makes you want to sneeze. The grayish haze doesn’t just annoy you, it is straight up health hazardous and detrimental to health, especially for the kids, elders, and pregnant ladies out there.

While some can afford to wait it out at home, or even use the foggy smog dilemma to go on vacation, many can’t stop going to work, or afford to not use the non-aircon public transports. Not to mention, how many Bangkok commuters have to depend on motorbikes. The pollutant tainted air has even cause a shortage of disposable air filter masks. However, with no real solution in sight to get through the thick murky fumes for good. Perhaps, more durable and efficient anti-pollution masks could be a wise investment. And, why not look cool while looking after your own well being.

Swedish design air filtering mask by Airinum will keep out the pollutants from your lungs, and make you look cosmopolitan chic. Equivalent in filtering capability to the N95 (a term Bangkokers have suddenly become familiar with), PM 0.3-10 dust, other air pollutants, pollen and other airborne allergens, bacteria, germs, to cigarettes smoke, no problem. Well, according to their advertisements anyway.

If the sleek, clean Swede design isn’t your style, there’s the borderline Mad Max post apocalypse look from Respo. And don’t worry, the grungy look doesn’t come at the cost of premium grade filtration technology, Respo’s sportsta filters particles smaller than a single micron.

But, if you’re really going to make a statement about investing in your breathing, you could go electrical power. Check out Blue Sky Lab’s Atmoblue, and even smartphone maker Xiaomi is into this market segment with its Mijia Honewell Mask.

Hopefully, the people of Bangkok, and everywhere else can breathe easy without any technological assistance soon. However, maybe a Thai entrepreneur can come up with an awesome anti-pollution mask product sooner than the current Thai junta leader can pray the smog away, because maybe Uncle Tuu used all his mojo praying away the Pabuk storm.