Living in a city is fun. So much going on – places to go and people to see! Cities are also great hives of economic activity, meaning living in one (or travelling into one) is a financial necessity for many.

But all this activity comes at an environmental cost. And as we are rapidly realising, a human health cost too.

Most people don’t realise, but air pollution is pretty much everywhere in the UK, where Snü was conceived, designed, and tested. Road traffic is a huge contributor, with cities the most affected. But anyone who lives in a rural area knows that clogged roads – for example that lead to supermarkets, as everyone needs a car to get there – can be just as polluted.

Government statistics suggest that 28,000 to 36,000 deaths a year are attributed to air pollution exposure in the UK. Targets for cleaner air are failing.

Air pollution affects people’s health in various ways – contributing to heart and lung diseases such as cancer and stroke. It also triggers asthma attacks, especially threatening already vulnerable sufferers of this respiratory disease.

Air pollution’s impacts on pregnant women, children and adolescents

As a new mum, I have also become acutely aware of how insidious air pollution is for pregnant women, young children and adolescents.

There is evidence that pregnant women exposed to air pollution pass particles through to their unborn babies – causing unknown harm in their tiny developing organs. Tragically, pollution (like smoking), is a factor in many miscarriages, and (again like smoking) can also affect sperm count.

Air pollution and mental health

There is also new research to suggest that pollution has an affect on mental health as well as physical health. Pollution entering the circulatory system, including to the brain, is now known as a likely cause of dementia and cognitive decline.

Excess fatigue, emotional distress and depression have been found in populations exposed to high levels of air pollution from the gases and particulate matter from traffic and smoke. 

Wear a mask to protect your health

Snü is far from a solution to these widespread health issues caused by air pollution. But it is a place to start. The nanofibre filter is N99+ certified, meaning it blocks 99% of all airborne particulates from entering your lungs. It compares with the very best cycling masks on the market in terms of efficiency – but with far more comfort and wearability.

And what's more, facemasks and face coverings like Snü can not only protect the wearer's health – they can serve as a physical reminder that we need clean up our air.

While masks might be less commonly seen in these post-Covid times, we can continue to wear them, keeping our health save from illnesses and pollution –without compromising on comfort and style.