The Clean Mask Project
Donation protected
What’s the plan?
To fabricate and deliver devices capable of sanitizing N95 masks for America’s hospitals and first responders.
How will we do this?
Special UV technology is widely used (in HVAC, dentistry, even in hospitals) for various forms of disinfection. UVC light is known to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. There are robots used to sanitize an entire operating room or hospital room to prevent the spread of things like MRSA or E-coli in about 15 minutes. This same technology can actually kill viruses much faster (as little as 10 seconds). Devices on the market (which are mostly sold out nationwide) are designed for very large spaces, take too long, and do not provide a simple and easy solution for mask sanitization.
Donated funds will be used to design universal housings, identify appropriate sources of UVC light, fabricate or purchase these materials and distribute materials or funds to appropriate parties to facilitate rapid deployment of these devices to those most in need. Funds may be used for other miscellaneous expenses like making a web site, paying for shipping to other makers, or buying necessary tools for fabrication. In no case will funds be used to pay labor to anyone involved in the making process. Makers will be required to provide receipts for reimbursement. Nobody will profit from the fund. Any excess funds will be returned or donated in accordance with gofundme policy. We do not operate a 501c3, so donations (to our knowledge) are not tax deductible at this time.
Where will this take place?
The initial units will be made in Southern California and distributed within Southern California. As the design is normalized (goal is under 7 days) the plans will be shared open-source online with engineers, fabricators and others capable of fabrication/assembly (collectively known as Makers). When Makers commit to make and distribute the mask sanitizers in their area, we will use available funds to supply the Makers.
When will this take place?
Funds will be used immediately (today) to begin purchasing necessary equipment and materials to design, fabricate and deliver the sanitizers as soon as possible (beginning tomorrow) and continuing until the COVID-19 crisis ends.
Why are we doing this?
N95 masks are sold out across the world. The US lacks enough N95 mask supply to protect our doctors, nurses and first responders. The CDC has recently advised hospitals and first responders to reuse masks, to rely on masks beyond their expiration date, or to consider using bandanas and scarfs as a last resort.
Never before in the careers of our doctors, nurses and first responders have they been forced to rely on soiled and potentially deadly Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The current CDC guidelines can be given a much better option if we provide our hospitals and first responders a way to sanitize their masks. More importantly our doctors, nurses and first responders will again be able to feel confident that their PPE will keep them safe, not harm them as they work to protect all Americans.
Current demand for masks (respirators) is so high that groups and individuals around the country are coming together to sew masks by hand. This demand is expected to continue indefinitely at this point.
Who is going to get this done?
My name is Nick Freeland. I worked as a correctional officer in Orange County, California for 13 years and understand the basic need to be able to trust your PPE. I will use the initial funds to obtain a universal sanitizing box design and procure available UVC equipment (most of which is tucked away in small retail and distribution hubs). The boxes and UVC lights will be integrated into a countertop sized unit capable of widespread deployment (think breadbox to microwave size). Once the design is normalized I will share the plans online and begin taking funding requests from Makers across the country. When a maker identifies a hospital, fire station, police department or other appropriate recipient they will be supported financially (either up front, or reimbursed) for the cost of materials to make the mask sanitizer. Each sanitizer is estimated to cost between $150-500 depending on size and sourcing costs.
To fabricate and deliver devices capable of sanitizing N95 masks for America’s hospitals and first responders.
How will we do this?
Special UV technology is widely used (in HVAC, dentistry, even in hospitals) for various forms of disinfection. UVC light is known to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. There are robots used to sanitize an entire operating room or hospital room to prevent the spread of things like MRSA or E-coli in about 15 minutes. This same technology can actually kill viruses much faster (as little as 10 seconds). Devices on the market (which are mostly sold out nationwide) are designed for very large spaces, take too long, and do not provide a simple and easy solution for mask sanitization.
Donated funds will be used to design universal housings, identify appropriate sources of UVC light, fabricate or purchase these materials and distribute materials or funds to appropriate parties to facilitate rapid deployment of these devices to those most in need. Funds may be used for other miscellaneous expenses like making a web site, paying for shipping to other makers, or buying necessary tools for fabrication. In no case will funds be used to pay labor to anyone involved in the making process. Makers will be required to provide receipts for reimbursement. Nobody will profit from the fund. Any excess funds will be returned or donated in accordance with gofundme policy. We do not operate a 501c3, so donations (to our knowledge) are not tax deductible at this time.
Where will this take place?
The initial units will be made in Southern California and distributed within Southern California. As the design is normalized (goal is under 7 days) the plans will be shared open-source online with engineers, fabricators and others capable of fabrication/assembly (collectively known as Makers). When Makers commit to make and distribute the mask sanitizers in their area, we will use available funds to supply the Makers.
When will this take place?
Funds will be used immediately (today) to begin purchasing necessary equipment and materials to design, fabricate and deliver the sanitizers as soon as possible (beginning tomorrow) and continuing until the COVID-19 crisis ends.
Why are we doing this?
N95 masks are sold out across the world. The US lacks enough N95 mask supply to protect our doctors, nurses and first responders. The CDC has recently advised hospitals and first responders to reuse masks, to rely on masks beyond their expiration date, or to consider using bandanas and scarfs as a last resort.
Never before in the careers of our doctors, nurses and first responders have they been forced to rely on soiled and potentially deadly Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The current CDC guidelines can be given a much better option if we provide our hospitals and first responders a way to sanitize their masks. More importantly our doctors, nurses and first responders will again be able to feel confident that their PPE will keep them safe, not harm them as they work to protect all Americans.
Current demand for masks (respirators) is so high that groups and individuals around the country are coming together to sew masks by hand. This demand is expected to continue indefinitely at this point.
Who is going to get this done?
My name is Nick Freeland. I worked as a correctional officer in Orange County, California for 13 years and understand the basic need to be able to trust your PPE. I will use the initial funds to obtain a universal sanitizing box design and procure available UVC equipment (most of which is tucked away in small retail and distribution hubs). The boxes and UVC lights will be integrated into a countertop sized unit capable of widespread deployment (think breadbox to microwave size). Once the design is normalized I will share the plans online and begin taking funding requests from Makers across the country. When a maker identifies a hospital, fire station, police department or other appropriate recipient they will be supported financially (either up front, or reimbursed) for the cost of materials to make the mask sanitizer. Each sanitizer is estimated to cost between $150-500 depending on size and sourcing costs.
Fundraising team: Fundraiser Team (2)
Nicholas Freeland
Organizer
Orange, CA
Alyse Freeland
Team member
