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UXBRIDGE It may look like something out of The Return of the Jedi, but this helmet could help cyclists to breathe more easily, according to its designer.
The “Breathe Air” helmet was created to filter out particles that irritate hay fever and asthma sufferers. It covers the cyclist’s nose and mouth with a shield behind which the filtered air circulates.
The helmet was created by Luke Pannell, 22, an industrial design and technology student at Brunel University. When a manufacturer is found, the “Breathe Air” is expected to retail for about £100.
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Has anyone noticed that the mask is attached to the back of a standard bicycle helmet? They have made the air vents at the back to look like a pair of eyes. Nobody would ride with their vision restricted like that anyway.
So, does this filter unit sit at the back with a mask at the front or is this just a bit of marketing?
Mark, London,
This will also reduce health risk of particles caused by traffic.
How long would this helmet/airfilter work?
Henk Daalder, Eindhoven, netherlands
So why is the picture showing the rear view of a cycling helmet?
Alex Ball, London,
I've tried masks and ski gogles and scarves but not found anything that doesn't get messed up when I sneeze with hayfever - I wonder if this would do the trick? anywhere to try it?
carolyn, Epsm,
This thing is maybe also very useful for some other kind of pollution : teargas ! And thus maybe helping in a slightly different way to fight global warming during G8 and WTO summits !
Jean-Pierre, Montpellier, France
Of the hundreds of cyclists I've met over the years I've never met a single one who has complained of such a problem. Obviously a very inventive person but seems to be inventing a problem to find a solution. It does look like a very funny lid though.
Paul, York, UK
Actually maybe a very good idea. I am asthmatic and often find traffic fumes a real mouthful. But existing cycling masks are not really satisfactory - you end up rebreathing your own hot, stale breath; stifling in hot weather. I might just wear it, assuming that anybody is brave enough to make it!
Oliver de Peyer, London, U.K
Regarding the gentleman that thinks this is "inventing a problem to find a solution," I agree that it may seem funny and it likely won't make it past niche market status. However, after reading this: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/12/news/air.php I would disagree that the problem was invented. Seeing as some of the triggers for asthma are pollutants, I'd say there's a very good reason for a helmet like this. All the same... will you catch me wearing one in heavily polluted Portland, OR? Probably not... it looks way too hot and stuffy for comfortable use.
Ben, Portland, Oregon, USA
Will I be required to take this off when I go into the bank/post office etc as I am with motorcycle helmets?
What will the view of the police be in light of the Public Order legislation banning the wearing of masks at some demonstrations. If I am merely cycling nearby, will I be required to remove my helmet, or perhaps just with 1 kilometer of Parliament?
Charles, London,