New graduate develops sodium mask that can kill COVID-19 droplets



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A recent doctorate. The graduate won an award on Tuesday for creating a reusable face mask that appears to kill infectious pathogens like the coronavirus – using a simple layer of salt.

Ilaria Rubino, who recently graduated from the University of Alberta, said salt can eradicate viruses and bacteria within five minutes of the droplets landing on the face covering.

The highly breathable mask “provides a safe and effective solution to preventing disease worldwide” – and can also be worn repeatedly, unlike those currently used by healthcare professionals which need to be replaced regularly, according to published study in Scientific Reports.

Canadian nonprofit research group Mitacs awarded Rubino an “Outstanding Innovation” award for its masks, which she told Yahoo Canada she hoped to go into production next year.

The masks would also kill other infectious diseases like the flu – and could potentially be used in filters in hospitals and office buildings, according to Rubino’s research.

Dr. Catherine Clase, epidemiologist and associate professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, told The Canadian Press that the reusable liner “would reduce the footprint for manufacturing and distribution and then disposal of every mask.”

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