Want Stoke-on-Trent news emailed to you direct from our journalists? Sign up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Commuters are being encouraged to wage war against pollution in Stoke-on-Trent - by wearing air filters in their nose.

Stoke-on-Trent is among 32 British towns and cities which have air pollution levels above the limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), of 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

In the Potteries, the average fine particle pollution level is at 12 micrograms per cubic metre.

The O2 Nose Filters - which provide relief against pollution and airborne viruses - are so tiny that they are almost invisible when inserted into the nose.

And, say the makers, they prevent 99 per cent of harmful pollution particles from reaching the lungs.



The image (top) shows a pair of filters before use and above are the filters following eight hours of use in Shanghai

CEO Stefan Viklund from O2 Nose Filters said: “The science behind these filters explains why they’re so effective. They work in a similar way to a magnet attracting iron particles - the layers of electrostatic materials capture the particles and as more pollutants stick to the filter, the filtration effect is enhanced without reducing air flow.

“PM2.5 particles are the ones which have the potential to cause more damage as they travel further into the lungs. The pollution from diesel exhausts and some viruses and smog fall into this category. For someone living in a city, being able to filter out over 70 per cent of those will have a positive impact on their long-term health.

“Our tests have shown the O2 Nose Filters are up to 90 per cent efficient with smog, bacteria and pet dander and up to 40 per cent efficient with diesel fumes.

poll loading Would you wear the nose filter? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes, why not Nope

“For mould spores, pollen and sawdust, they work at up to 100 per cent efficiency.”

The makers of the filters say they can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time although it is recommended they are changed frequently as particles - including pollution, dust spores, viruses and bacteria - stick to the filter rather than being inhaled into the blood stream.

They can also help prevent snoring.

Stefan said: “By not having to remove the filters during a full day we’re aiming to minimize exposure – and therefore risk and later symptoms - to any potentially damaging particulates in your immediate air zone.”

Want to tell us about something going on where you live? Let us know - Tweet us @SOTLive or message us on our Facebook page . And if you have pictures to share, tag us on Instagram at StokeonTrentLive .