ACF Honeycomb Pollution Mask

I Can Breathe! ACF Honeycomb Pollution Masks contain a filter with testing reports provided by a former distributor.  The Air Quality Index measures 10 to 2.5 microns of particulate matter in the air.  Fit tested on the designer, the ACF Honeycomb Pollution Mask reduces particulate air pollution by 99% to 100%, plus the carbon captures chemicals harmful to health. These figures suggest that the mask design with adjustable ear loops provides an effective seal. The mask is comfortable and good looking.  See Disclaimer.

If you need a NIOSH standard R95 carbon mask, click here.

A former distributor of masks using the same activated carbon filter in a different frame provided reports that the activated carbon filter has been tested by three independent facilities in order to verify it’s efficiency in filtering air-borne pollutants and contaminants. The summary of studies provided to I Can Breathe! are reported as conducted in the United States, England and Mexico.  I Can Breathe! has no supporting evidence and has not been able to verify so gives no guarantee that these reports are accurate. 

[Please note: In my experience, the Honeycomb mask configuration has an effective seal due to adjustable ear loops and a flexible nose bar.  In some circumstances, I wear one filter inside another to enhance the filtering of perfume and diesel fumes. While I have no problem breathing through two filters, other people may. See Testing, Testing.  Adrien Bledstein, designer.]

The manufacturer of the carbon material reports that a carbon filter does not capture carbon monoxide and should not be used for that purpose.

United States: Miller-Nelson Research (California, USA)

MNR tested the activated carbon filter for effective filtering of both BENZENE and SULFUR DIOXIDE. Both of these substances are commonly found in automobile exhaust and are present in every busy urban area. The MNR testers concluded that: "We are satisfied that the activated carbon filter significantly reduces these air-borne pollutants."

INAINE conducted extensive tests of the activated carbon air filter masks against the harmful pollutants found in the air in Mexico City. Mexico City is widely known for its hazardous air pollution.

INAINE found that the activated carbon air filter reduced the following harmful contaminants as shown in this table:

Lead 75%; Ozone 84%; Total Oxidants 65%; Odors 90%; Particulate (pollen, etc.) 95%

Additionally INAINE concluded that: "According to the results obtained, the mask provides a reduction of at least 50% of contaminants found in the air we breathe. It’s use in an atmosphere existing presently in Mexico City, it would provide an important protection for the inhabitants’ health."

British Health Institute (London England)

The British Health institute conducted a study of the Air Filter Masks focusing on what is called inward leakage. Inward leakage is the amount of air that is breathed while wearing an air filtering mask which does not pass through the air filter and is thus breathed as if no mask was worn. This is a very important figure and the overall effectiveness of any air filter mask is directly related to the amount of inward leakage the mask allows.

The British Health Institute applied their standard inward leakage test that is used for industrial air filtering masks such as those used by fire fighters, chemical workers, etc. They conducted a full barrage of tests and concluded: "The [masks] approach the EN149 FFP1 requirement of not more than 25% leakage for individual tests and not more than 22% for the mean for each subject." What this means in lay terms is that the test results prove that at least 75% of all air breathed through the [masks] is filtered through the [former mask] with activated carbon filter. 

Notes from I Can Breathe! Masks designer and president:

I designed the Honeycomb porous masks specifically to hold the carbon.  I aimed for a light weight and cool as possible frame. In my experience, the adjustable ear loops for personalized fit and the flexible, non-breaking nose bar pressed over the nose and under the eyes provide an effective seal on the I Can Breathe! Mask configuration.   

I have found the carbon filter effective in the following circumstances:

Traveling on an airplane, my nasal passages stay clear and I don't experience ear pain.

In a stuffy heated room full of people in a 100 year old building being renovated, I stay awake and can concentrate (compared to others who are nodding off).

When putting gas in my car, I don't smell the fumes.

When riding on a diesel fueled bus or driving on a Chicago expressway behind trucks with my car windows open, I don't smell exhaust and don't cough.

A motel room wreaked of disinfectant spray even after airing it.  With the carbon filter, I was able to sleep comfortably with no illness.  On the phone, a customer reported that she wore the filter at a conference in Reno where women wore perfume.  The filter made a big difference for her.  In her room, before her air purification unit cleared the air, she tried to sleep but couldn't.  She put on the Honeycomb Mask with carbon filter and slept comfortably.

Most dramatically: On humid days when the Pollutant Standards Index in Chicago rises above 45, I used to become increasingly exhausted. Above PSI 60, I experienced chills, fatigue, mental fogginess and indecision. Now  I put on the carbon filter, within minutes my body warms, my energy is restored, my mind clears and I am decisive.

Product Guide : Activated Carbon Filters used in Honeycomb Masks by I Can Breathe! Inc.

While the company makes every effort to ensure that the information herein is accurate, no liability will be accepted for any errors or omissions in this data sheet. Issue 1/95 by manufacturer of the carbon fabric.  

I Can Breathe! Inc. does not manufacture the carbon fabric.

Adrien J. Bledstein

Questions or comments:  In USA call 1-888-313-0123, M-F 9a-5p CST. 

Last update 05/04/10     I Can Breathe! Inc.