Stuck in an emergency? Make sure you’re wearing the Emergency Bra that doubles as a mask. Simply unclip the bra, separate the cups, and place one cup over your face. Give the other cup to your friend.
Emergency Bra Is A Real Product
Dr. Elena Bodnar is a scientist and head of Chicago’s Trauma Risk Management Research Institute. She started her career as a physician in Ukraine during the Chernobyl nuclear accident. She studied the consequences of radiation exposure and treated and helped the relocation of people affected by the accident. In the United States, Bodnar worked in clinical studies of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. She also worked with the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency on Chernobyl nuclear accident projects. The Chernobyl event is an inspiration for the Emergency Bra. (1)
It sounds like a silly product, but Bodnar’s invention is specifically for emergencies. According to the patent specs, the bra’s material is filtration material so it complies with mask requirements. The specs also show options for double layers of filter material, replaceable filters, a valve device, and even a version for a battery-powered mask. (2)
Source: www.Ebbra.com
The bra unclasps in the front and the cups separate. To use it, fit the cup over the face. Then wrap the shoulder strap around the back of the head and clasp it. The waistband section wraps lower around the head and hooks on the front clasp piece. (2) The product is listed as for sale at ebbra.com for $29.95, though the site is temporarily closed. (3)
Emergency Bra Is A Nobel Prize Winner
Bodnar’s invention won the Nobel Prize for Public Health in 2009. In 2010, she wrote an article for The Guardian explaining the rationale behind the project.
“I knew that the radioactive Iodine-131 aerosol released from the damaged reactor was a major contributor to the internal radiation dose of the affected population,” she writes. “My experiences led me to question why simple protective face masks were not available. As the mother of a one-year-old son, I was convinced women should have readily available means of protecting their children. Because most women wear one all the time – and it can provide two face masks – I considered using a standard bra as the basis for such a personal protective device and designed my first prototype.” (4)
She continues to comment that the 9/11 tragedy in New York was also a deciding factor in creating the emergency product.
“In 2001, I was shocked to see the photographs of victims of the 9/11 tragedy in New York holding pieces of cloth over their faces while running away from the disaster,” Bodnar writes. “Evacuation from similar emergencies would be easier if individuals had readily available face masks to protect their airways and free their hands. It was at that point that I decided to proceed with commercialization of the Emergency Bra.” (4)
Bodnar says she recognized the invention made people laugh, but that was effective. It has become hugely popular and a great opportunity to deliver a message on emergency preparedness to the public. (4)
