LG Electronics Donates 2,000 Electronic Masks to Medical Staff

On the 10th, LG Electronics held a handover ceremony at Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and donated 2,000 electronic masks. Vice President Lee Gam-gyu (left), Head of LG Electronics Air Solution Business Division, and Director Lee Byung-seok (right) of Yonsei University Severance Hospital are posing for a commemorative photo. Photo by Lee Gam-gyu

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] LG Electronics announced on the 12th that it donated electronic masks, created by integrating home appliances and IT technology, to express gratitude and support to medical staff who must work wearing masks to overcome COVID-19.

On the 10th, LG Electronics held a delivery ceremony at Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and donated 2,000 electronic masks. The ceremony was attended by Byungseok Lee, Director of Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Gamgyu Lee, Head of LG Electronics Air Solution Division, and Dae-sik Yoon, Executive Director of External Cooperation.

The electronic masks incorporate patented technology and know-how from LG Electronics' PuriCare air purifier. The front of the mask has two replaceable HEPA filters (H13 grade). Users inhale air that has passed through the HEPA filters.

The amount of air flowing into the mask is controlled by ultra-small fans installed below each HEPA filter. The mask applies sensors that detect pressure generated during breathing and a breathing recognition algorithm to increase the fan speed and air volume inside the mask when the user inhales, and reduce the speed when exhaling.

To design masks that fit well to facial shapes, LG Electronics also collaborated with the Human Factors Laboratory of the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering at Korea University to analyze facial types.

This product received the Electromagnetic Field (EMF) certification, which certifies that electromagnetic waves emitted from electrical products are below a certain level, from the Korea Testing Certification (KTC).

Following medical staff, LG Electronics is also considering donating electronic masks to public institution workers who must always wear masks due to frequent contact with people. The timing, method, and price for general sales have not yet been decided.

Division Head Gamgyu Lee said, "We decided to donate to fulfill our corporate social responsibility and support those who have been working hard every day due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "We hope the electronic masks will be of some help to many people who have to work long hours wearing masks."