Frankly, the most surprising thing about PuriCare is that more tech companies haven't launched a similar product in recent months. LG is showing this as part of the upcoming IFA press conference in Berlin, although the company is opting for a virtual presence at this year's show.
There is a lot going on in the press release for the "wearable air purifier". As he notes, "The LG PuriCare wearable air purifier solves the dilemma of homemade masks by being inconsistent in quality and disposable masks are in short supply. The PuriCare wearable air purifier uses two HEPA H13 filters, similar to the filters used in the company's home air purification products. "
The company apparently goes to great lengths not to mention COVID-19. After all, specific health claims are often subject to different regulations. It is true, of course, that masks have been scarce at various points during the pandemic. And that probably was when LG really started pushing the idea seriously.
That said, it's also worth noting that even professionally made masks offer a pretty wide range of effectiveness against virus transmission. There are a lot of questions here. For starters, the filter is the question of how effective it could be for both the wearer and the people around them. The latter, after all, is the real argument for wearing masks - to protect the people around.
LG's response to the COVID-19 question points to potential future approval; "We are waiting for further tests to be completed before we can share all the details." It is hoped that more concrete answers will be obtained before it goes on sale in the "fourth quarter in selected markets". Although there are certainly non-coronavirus-related reasons for wearing a mask, including pollution and other environmental contaminants.
It is also worth asking what happens when the battery runs out. The mask is able to run eight hours on "low" and two hours on "high", thanks to an integrated 820mAh battery, according to LG's data. But things happen. Sometimes you are out for longer than expected, or maybe you just forgot to fully charge it before you leave the house.
There are two HEPA H13 filters on board, similar in nature to the type the company uses for its home air filtration system. There are also UV-LED lights designed to kill bacteria, an extra layer of protection in addition to the filter system. In addition to the aforementioned home filtration systems, LG also produces UV light rods for disinfecting purposes. The company has already worked on many of these things and clearly saw the opportunity to capitalize on them in the form of a mask.
There's quite a bit of technology on board, including the ability to adjust the rate of filtration based on the wearer's breath. Excessive? Almost certainly. From the look of the images, it's also potentially bulky. And then there is the question of the still unknown price.