Environmental Chemistry Lab, Department of Applied Chemistry,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University
Led by Tomoaki OKUDA, Ph.D.

Research

Home　>　Research　>　Highlights [Super Practical Human and Environmental Research enforcing Application and Social Implementation]

Highlights

Super Practical Human and Environmental Research enforcing Application and Social Implementation

The days when environmentally conscious measures were considered a burden are a thing of the past. We need to continue to be more conscious of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These projects make use of environmental chemistry knowledge—based on experimental evidence—and implement a variety of industry/academic collaborations.
【Shin-Kawasaki(K2)Town Campus　Shin-Kawasaki Frontier Research & Education Collaborative Square Website】
【Access to Shin-Kawasaki(K2)Town Campus（K101B）】

・Particle Visualization and Measurement
・Mask Performance Evaluation
・Ventilation Measurement
・Participation in The Solution-oriented Risk Analysis Research Team "MARCO"
・Media Appearances and Coverage
・Contribution to SDGs
・Social Implementation Partners / Sponsor Companies and Corporations

Particle Visualization and Measurement

A particulate visualization system is used to visualize and measure droplets and aerosol particles that come out of people's mouths. We are also conducting experiments to determine the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing droplet spread. The results of these experiments have been covered by many media sources.

Videos

https://youtu.be/VJ93qIbSez8
We investigated if a mask can block the droplets coming out of a mouth by visualizing and measuring the particles.
■Particulate Visualization System：KATO KOKEN PV2-L

https://youtu.be/Z3qdCOrWOy8
We investigated the effectiveness of a face shield developed by OOYOO, a venture company in Kyoto.
■OOYOO FACE (EN)
■Particulate Visualization System：KATO KOKEN PV2-L

Mask Performance Evaluation

We are measuring the particle collection efficiency of masks and evaluating their performance, in various real life scenarios.

Videos

https://youtu.be/juxqWb9nssg
We investigated whether there are any changes to particle collection efficiency of a mask before and after washing.

https://youtu.be/OnpZit_GPtA
We investigated the effectiveness of a mask-fitting product.
■Product used：-MAS PITA-（TANAC Co., Ltd.）
■Device used 1：SIBATA MT-05（SHIBATA SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGY LTD.）
■Device used 2：TSI PORTACOUNT(R) Repirator Fit Tester Model 8048（TOKYO DYLEC CORP.）

https://youtu.be/1curbb_aNds
We investigated the particle collection efficiency of N95/DS2 mask/respirator before and after sterilization (steaming/ozone treatment).
【Cooperation】
■Click here for an explanation by Dr. Yummy Castella.
■Click here for an explanation by Dr. Hiroshi Koyama, Ikuma Clinic.

Ventilation Measurement

One commonly required Coronavirus safety standard in many facilities is good ventilation. Therefore, we have been measuring the ventilation conditions of various facilities, such as the Keio University Yagami Campus, concert halls, and private karaoke rooms, using CO2 monitors and particle counters.

Videos

https://youtu.be/ql_IyMzH8xA
We measured the ventilation conditions in private karaoke rooms.
■Click here for the report. (DAIICHIKOSHO CO., LTD.)
■This research was conducted in collaboration with Japan Clean Air Association.

https://youtu.be/ql_IyMzH8xA
We measured the ventilation in a plane by monitoring CO2 levels.

https://youtu.be/n3MHQb-mMQg
New National Theatre Tokyo Ventilation Measurement
■Click here for the results of the ventilation investigation.

https://youtu.be/8uK2XIm2nJo
We measured the ventilation at Live Performance Hall.

https://youtu.be/Im9brJpKCK4
Using CO2 as a tracer, we measured ventilation rate in classrooms at the university.
【Cooperation】
■Keio University Leading Program for Doctoral Education
■KAJIMA CORPORATION
■3DCAD system: Fuji Technical Research Inc.

https://youtu.be/c2BiquCnW9o
Using CO2 and smoke as tracers, we measured the ventilation rate of the university's gym.

Participation in The Solution-oriented Risk Analysis Research Team "MARCO"

In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), major changes are required in our lives. In particular, various infection control measures have been implemented for mass gathering events, such as limiting the number of people to 5,000 or 50% of the maximum capacity. MARCO (Mass Gathering Risk COntrol and COmmunication) is a volunteer research team organized for the purpose of risk control and communication in such mass gatherings. Researchers from diverse disciplines such as medicine, engineering, mathematics, statistics, bioinformatics, and high-performance computing have come together to develop science and social implementation to solve problems. Our laboratory participates in the activities of MARCO, a volunteer research team for solution-oriented risk analysis.

Media Appearances and Coverage

2021/6/18 【NHK】Ohayo Nippon "Performance test of a new mask to control droplets while improving breathability in Kawasaki City"
2021/5/25 【NHK】Asaichi"Examining the effects of different types and materials"
2021/5/24 【Press releases and many media coverage】Development of a "Mask with Both Droplet Control and Breathability", and Start of a Project to Evaluate Its Effectiveness in Preventing Infections and Its Comfortability -Demonstration Test at Kashima Stadium- NikkeiWeb Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Ibaraki Shimbun Impress Watch and many others
2021/5/18 【NHK】Asaichi "Experiments on masks of different materials and shapes: How effective are masks in blocking aerosols?"
2021/5/6　【NIKKEI Newspaper】 "Keio University and others propose how to use CO2 concentration as a measure against infectious diseases."
2021/3/22 【KAWASAKI FM】The nature education program "TO THE NATURE" 【3/19 Broadcast】【3/12 Broadcast】
2021/3/19 【TV Asahi】 Super J Channel "Are karaoke rooms better ventilated? A surprising result of the research..."
2021/3/2　【NHK】 Asaichi "Visualization Shows Infection Risk of Singing"
2021/2/18 【NHK】 Shutoken-Network "The Seeking of Underground Idols"
2021/2/18 【NHK】 Asaichi "Sequel: Measures Against Aerosols"
2021/2/16 【NHK】 NEWS Shibu-5Ji "Don't lose to Corona! Fighting underground idols"
2021/2/15 【NHK】 Asaichi "How to Wear a Mask Effectively?"
2021/2/13 【TBS】 "Zukandetsutaeru-News"
2021/1/15 【Nikkan Sports】 "Condition is good. New National Theatre Tokyo releases results of ventilation investigation.
2020/12/2 【NHK】 Asaichi "The Latest Science Shows Us! Measures against Infectious Diseases in Winter SP ーAttention to reuse of non-woven masksー"
2020/10/15【Asahi Shinbun】 Measuring CO2 Concentration and Visualizing "Three Cs"
2020/10/15【PR Magazine "Juku" 2020Autmun】"Toward the Realization of a Sustainable Society -Thinking about the SDGs-" ～The Mission of Environmental Chemistry in Japan~/
2020/9/10 【Newspaper】 [1] [2] [3] Joint research with "TANAC Co., Ltd."
2020/8/8　【TBS】Hodo-Tokusyu "What about droplets from playing? A close look at the orchestra verification"
2020/8/5　【Mainichi Shinbun】"Fighting Infectious Diseases New Coronas: How to Use Masks to Survive the Summer"
2020/7/31 【Mita-hyoron August/September issue "Sanjyo-Hiroba"】Conducting droplet particle measurements for resumption of orchestra concerts.
2020/7/30 【NHK WORLD-JAPAN】Measurement of droplet particles for resumption of orchestra concerts.
2020/7/29 【TBS】 Hiruobi "How does the "Abeno mask" perform?""
2020/7/10 【Asahi Shinbun】"How to choose a summer mask?"
2020/6/26 【NHK】 Ohayo-Nippon "The Wiz Corona Era: The Challenge of Resuming Concerts"
2020/6/24 【Sankei Shinbun】 Verification of droplets by orchestra.Tokyo Symphony Orchestra seeks balance between music and safety.
2020/6/6　【NHK】ＥＴＶspecial "The Days of the Missing Mask: How to protect the medical field."
2020/4/21 【WSJ】 Wall Street Journal "Japan’s Abe Taken to Task Over Itsy-Bitsy Masks"

Contribution to SDGs

Our lab supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applying particle measurement technology to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and solving the mechanisms that cause airborne particles to be harmful are in line with Goal 3, "Provide health and welfare to people". In addition, clean air is a common goal throughout the world, and we can contribute to Goal 9, "Create a foundation for industry and technological innovation," by developing products that utilize our knowledge. In addition, if such efforts are made and air pollution is resolved, it will lead to the achievement of Goal 11, "Create a city where people can continue to live. It can be said that all the research in our laboratory is related to the SDGs. We are particularly interested in the following goals: