At a time when good quality masks are in short supply amid the coronavirus outbreak, an IIT Delhi startup has launched N95 masks for Rs 45, a fraction of the prevailing prices.
‘The mask is at par with N95 in terms of proper fitting, and engineered filtration layer that could provide up to 98 per cent filtration efficiency,’ IIT Delhi said adding that the price is affordable so that it can reach masses for enhanced protection.
Mentored by professors at the department of textile and fibre engineering, the startup said it is ready to supply the mask, named Kawach, provided each order is for 100 units or above.
‘The cost of N95 mask used for the protection against covid-19 in the Indian market is quite high, making it unaffordable for the masses. People are using surgical masks also but due to loose-fitting of such masks, not securing proper cover around the nose and mouth, this may allow covid-19 virus to enter or leave from the side edges. Furthermore, the use of sewn cloth face covering or handkerchief is useful only to an extent, not providing sufficient protection due to absence of non-woven layer,’ IIT Delhi said.
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