Sydney graduates launch face mask to protect against air pollution

With public concern about the health impacts of air pollution rising in Australia and around the globe, University of Sydney graduates have launched an innovative face mask that protects users from harmful pollutants.

Brothers Elias and Isaac Honor co-founded their company AusAir with childhood friend Jack Graham in 2017 while studying at the University of Sydney Business School and launched presales of the masks via Kickstarter earlier this month.

The reusable masks, which feature a washable skin and botanical filters, passed preliminary P2 and KN95 testing and block over 97 percent of PM2.5 – fine particle matter often included in air quality reports.

“The market is dominated by products that focus on pure utility, but we want to allow people to express themselves while wearing a mask that’s comfortable and extremely breathable,” said Elias Honor.