Pollution-Testing Devices

London-based research firm, Pareid, created a way of measuring different levels of air pollution using hair follicles. The project is called Follicle.

The architects began their research by analyzing hair samples as a way of measuring pollution levels in Bangkok. Their findings noticed that the hair samples that contained higher levels of heavy metals indicated a higher level of environmental toxicity. The project began in 2019 when the firm set up an installation at Bangkok Design Week - where participants voluntarily cut off a piece of hair and gave a brief description of their day-to-day environment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the architects only received the result of their research recently - and were blown away by the levels of pollution that were detected.

Pareid is currently using a 3D map to chart the varying levels of pollution and will present its findings at the Venice Biennale.

Image Credit: Pareid