Mia Patterson Cox, a recent Industrial Design and Technology graduate, has created ‘Aerate’, a neck-worn air purifier designed to improve air quality for underground train users by filtering out harmful particles present in the environment.
In underground train environments, PM2.5 levels often exceed World Health Organization defined limits. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in size — about 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.
These tiny particles are of concern as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream. Breathing in unhealthy levels of PM2.5 has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cognitive impairments.
Wheel, track, and brake abrasion are often the primary sources of particulate matter in underground train environments, generating iron-rich particles that pollute the air. Poor ventilation in platforms and tunnels exacerbates the problem, exposing commuters to high levels of particulates during their journeys.
Mia first became aware of the pollution problem during her placement year in London as she frequently used underground trains to get to different places.