UK-based aerosol start-up
saves lives
AirForLife—an award-winning and life-saving aerosol product
developed in the UK—is the latest in groundbreaking
aerosol innovation.
Statistics indicate that around 85% of deaths from fire-related
incidents are due to victims being overcome
by gas or smoke. AirForLife has addressed this
devastating problem by creating an emergency
escape device that provides people with a selfcontained
source of breathable air to survive
and escape from emergencies where breathing
may be impaired, such as domestic or high-rise
fires and terrorist attacks.
The idea for AirForLife was first conceived
by Joe Barratt and Matthew Sygrove who
worked together as firefighters in Beverly, East Yorkshire.
“We always knew that the majority of deaths in house fires actually
come from smoke inhalation,” explained Sygrove.
“We have seen these tragedies firsthand while working in the fire
service. Unfortunately, while we rescued many individuals, some of
them passed away before we could reach them.
“Smoke hoods (protective devices similar in concept to a gas
mask) do exist, but if oxygen levels drop below 15%, filters (including
filters found in smoke hoods) are not sufficient to keep a
person alive,” continued Sygrove.
“An external source of oxygen is the only way to survive such
situations.”
AirForLife also noted that Fire & Rescue response times are everincreasing
in the UK, particularly in rural areas, with an average
response time clocking in at 10 minutes/37 seconds.
Barratt and Sygrove realized something needed to be done. They
set about creating an affordable product that is accessible in the
home, hotel room and office in case of an emergency.
“We formed a partnership with Dr. Tony Ryan, a science professional
with expertise in gas adsorption,” said Barratt.
“The can itself is a simple design that is capable of rapid deployment;
when the button at the top is pressed, a flow of cooled oxygen
is released to the mask, which
is supplemented by air purified by
the smoke and chemical filters.”
Using activated carbon made
up of extremely fine pores, the
product also gives rise to a large surface
area. For example, one teaspoonful
of activated
carbon can purify
the area equivalent to
the size of an international
football pitch.
How does the product work?
AirForLife contains a granular, activated carbon adsorbent. The
activated carbon is specially designed to store a much larger volume
of oxygen than by compression alone. Because of this technology,
the canister will still feel full even when it has been discharged. Users
then release the oxygen as and when they need to breathe so as
to waste as little oxygen as possible.
The importance of oxygen
In explaining the importance of “oxygen, not air” in a fire situation,
Ryan noted, “Oxygen is the most important of all human
needs. In a fire, oxygen levels rapidly deplete.
An external
source of oxygen
is the only way to
survive such situations.”
“Additionally,
someone who inhales
pure oxygen
will be more easily
resuscitated if they
have been exposed
to smoke since their tissues are heavily saturated with
oxygen,” stressed Ryan.
Air for everyone
AirForLife is for everyone—individuals, families and
businesses looking to protect the health of employees.
The product is available to purchase in the U.S. from
EvacChair and in Europe from Beeswift Ltd.
“We should be set up for Australia and the Asia Pacific
region early in the New Year,” noted Ryan. Spray
Award-winning protection
Launched in 2019, AirForLife emergency device has
already won “Best PPE Accessory” at the Professional
Clothing Awards and “Aerosol of the Year” at the British
Aerosol Manufacturers Association (BAMA) Awards
(see p. 22).
January 2020 Spray 27