Due to the high demand for personal protective equipment, they are hard to come by. The researchers at B.C. University is working on prototypes for an N95 mask which is also biodegradable.
The mask which is called the Canadian mask or Can-Mask is built with a frame made of B.C. wood fibers such as spruce, pine, cedar, and other softwoods. One of the prototypes incorporates a commercial N95 filter while another has a filter made from wood-based products.
Since millions of disposable masks and gloves are polluting the city sidewalks and entering the rivers and oceans, a biodegradable option is needed to avoid creating a massive impact on the environment.
The prototypes are now being tested and researchers plan to apply for Health Canada certification soon. The process requires a lot of testing and certification. This would take several months but increasing awareness and announcing this possibility is vital.
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