From the PM 2.5 dust situation in Thailand that continues to worsen, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are ranked as the most polluted cities in the world. Many areas across the country have dust values that exceed the standard, ranging from orange to red, directly affecting people's health. To help alleviate the impact of the pollution crisis, the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society have collaborated with Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) to develop the "POR-DEE" mask, which is designed to reduce the risk of exposure to PM 2.5 dust. CP Social Impact Co., Ltd. is assigned to manufacture this mask under international standards. All income after expenses from the sale of the mask will be sent back to support Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society and the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University for use in medical activities, in accordance with the intention of Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group.
dust PM 2.5 More dangerous than you think! Experts warn that prevention is urgent.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Sittiphan, a respiratory specialist, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Director of Chulalongkorn Hospital, revealed that PM 2.5 dust is a serious health hazard, with both short-term and long-term effects. For example, in the short term, it causes irritation, coughing, and sneezing. People with underlying diseases such as asthma or heart disease can experience exacerbations. In the long term, if continuously exposed, it can lead to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.
“When small PM 2.5 molecules enter the lungs, they can spread to various parts of the body, causing chronic inflammation of the blood vessels. There is also information that it is a factor that stimulates diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia. The challenge for the public is that if they cannot avoid an environment free of PM 2.5, they need to find a way to protect themselves. This is the origin of the joint development of innovative masks by the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Chulalongkorn Hospital, and Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) through CP Social Impact Co., Ltd., to provide a way for the public to live their lives more safely,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai continued, “Since people cannot avoid the environment with PM 2.5 dust, protecting yourself with a high-performance mask is essential. This is the origin of the collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University – Chulalongkorn Hospital – CP Group to develop ‘POR-DEE’, a high-quality mask to enable people to live their lives more safely.”
CP moves forward with production of dust protection masks PM 2.5 To help society Continuing cooperation from Covid-19
Dr. Thiraphol Thanomsakyudh, Chief Sustainability and Strategy Development Officer, Charoen Pokphand Group, said that CP has a policy to continuously support solving public health problems. In the past, CP, under the initiative of Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman, had set up a mask factory during the COVID-19 crisis and distributed more than 89 million pieces for free to hospitals, medical personnel, and vulnerable groups. Today, CP Group has taken that experience to further develop 'POR-DEE', a mask designed under the supervision of doctors, with the highest standards, and sold at an affordable price. All proceeds after expenses are returned to Chulalongkorn Hospital, in accordance with the original intention of the Senior Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group.
“POR-DEE” New innovation Comfortable to wear Dust protection 99%
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rangsan Rerknimit, Assistant to the President for Innovation and Director of the Center for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said that general surgical masks cannot effectively protect against PM 2.5 dust. While N95 masks can protect against PM 2.5 dust well, they may not be suitable because they are limited by discomfort, inconvenience in use, are available in only one size, and are priced beyond the reach of the general public because they are designed to protect against germs more than PM 2.5 dust.
“The ‘POR-DEE’ mask was designed by the Center for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in 4 sizes: S, M, L, XL to fit the facial structure of Thais, from young children, older children, and adults, separated by gender. It is designed to fit the face of Thais specifically, but also provides more space for the wearer to breathe and speak more easily without feeling uncomfortable. It also emphasizes the efficiency of dust protection, along with extra-soft ear straps that help reduce pressure and are not irritating even when worn for a long time. It also allows easy breathing, even when worn all day,” said Prof. Dr. Rangsan.
“POR-DEE” High quality Suitable for Thai people
Mr. Poomchai Tridlanon, Managing Director of CP Social Impact Co., Ltd., added that “POR-DEE” can filter PM 2.5 dust up to 99% with a 4-layer structure and has passed the Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) test according to international standards. The highlight of 'POR-DEE' is that it fits the faces of Thais and Asians. It can be worn in everyday life or even while exercising. It provides a tight fit, reducing gaps for dust to seep in, ensuring that users receive maximum protection.
Order now! Income to support Chulalongkorn Hospital
“POR-DEE” masks are now available at Chula Care Shop, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, priced at 75 baht per box (5 pieces/box). After deducting expenses, all proceeds will be donated to Chulalongkorn Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.
