Scarf that includes anti-air pollution mask and monitoring app comes to market

A French business will this year begin selling a scarf that doubles as an air filter for cyclists and pedestrians who are concerned about pollution and also includes an air quality monitor that connects to a smartphone app.

The product, called Wair, is among thousands of new products and concepts from fledgling businesses and tech start-ups alike that will be featured at this week’s CES 2017 in Las Vegas.

As well as a unisex scarf (currently offered at €87.50), initial wearable tech products from Wair for which pre-orders are being taken on its website include a snood aimed at women (also €87.50) and a men’s neck collar (€54.17).

Besides the initial cost of the scarf, which comes with two filters, purchasers will need to factor in the expense of replacement filters, which Wair says need to be changed between every two and four weeks and which cost from €8 to €10 on its website.

Wair founder Caroline Van Rentergherm first showcased the product at Paris Fashion Tech week in September 2015, and it has already won her a Cisco young entrepreneurs’ prize.

Ahead of CES 2017, she told Chris Foxx of BBC News: “Wair is the first anti-pollution connected scarf.

“It means it’s a fashion accessory, an efficient filtration system, and a prevention app against air pollution.”

Asked why people would by the product when cheaper, disposable face masks are available, she answer: “Style is important so I thought creating a protection that is not also scary looking would help encourage people to wear it.”