RZ Industry / RZ Mask's goal is to save lives in the most polluted city in the world, Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, with the distribution of high quality air-filtration masks and the development of an alternative fuel source.
IMPACT: The air pollution in Mongolia exceeds 133 times the legal world wide
safe limit for pollution levels. The Air Quality Index standard measures the
safety of air. Safe ranges are measured in a low rate of 0-65 AQI, the high range
considered dangerous is anything over 120 AQI. During our last visit, our AQI Meter measured an average of 999.9 AQI, exceeding the monitor’s maximum measuring ability.
safe limit for pollution levels. The Air Quality Index standard measures the
safety of air. Safe ranges are measured in a low rate of 0-65 AQI, the high range
considered dangerous is anything over 120 AQI. During our last visit, our AQI Meter measured an average of 999.9 AQI, exceeding the monitor’s maximum measuring ability.
In addition to this, the chemical,Benzene, that is released from burning tires is the direct cause of Mongolia’s highest infant mortality and birth defect rates in their most populated areas. According to a 2018 UNICEF study, half of children under 12 years old have less than a 40% lung capacity. Our mask is capable of significantly protecting from the benzene fumes and 99.9% percent of toxic pollutants, in accordance with the world health standard for a 99.9% down to .1 microns grade mask and RZ Masks stage 4 filters. The durability of each mask will last up three years.
Founded in 2010 by visionary Steve Torbenson he created the RZ Mask for the love of his four boys. Their family adventures took them from the Hills of Tennessee to the sand dunes in Glamis California. Torbenson knows the importance of a high quality masks as he was also a Home Renovating in the Minneapolis - ST Paul area for over 24 years. During that time he suffered countless sinus infections using paper masks and rubber masks that just didn't fit correctly leaking hazardous dust in while on the job.
Since 2018 RZ Industries / RZ Mask has distributed over 25,000 masks to the wonderful people of Mongolia with the help of Troy Marshall Ministries & Charities. Torbenson said this is a true "Blessing" to work with Troy Marshall.
2018 Results: Our team has followed up on our 2018 distribution. The Chief of
Medicine and hospital administrators gave positive reports concerning the rates of infection, and school teachers about the overall wellness of each mask recipient.
They reported:
• Significant drop in upper respiratory infections
• Decline in absences from school due to health and long-term hospitalization
• The Chief Medical Officer noted a significant drop in still born births and
miscarriages among masks worn by pregnant mothers
• Parents reported fewer hospital visits and need for antibiotics for families
during the Winter months
• Local Churches reported higher attendance and fewer children missing
church due to illness and hospitalization
• All interviewed persons notably reported an increase in overall health from the previous Winter and a decline in pollution related illnesses.
Medicine and hospital administrators gave positive reports concerning the rates of infection, and school teachers about the overall wellness of each mask recipient.
They reported:
• Significant drop in upper respiratory infections
• Decline in absences from school due to health and long-term hospitalization
• The Chief Medical Officer noted a significant drop in still born births and
miscarriages among masks worn by pregnant mothers
• Parents reported fewer hospital visits and need for antibiotics for families
during the Winter months
• Local Churches reported higher attendance and fewer children missing
church due to illness and hospitalization
• All interviewed persons notably reported an increase in overall health from the previous Winter and a decline in pollution related illnesses.
DISTRIBUTION: To date we have distributed over 25,000 masks in Mongolia. Distribution is monitored by the Ministry of Health and Education in connection with the Mongolian Government. The Ministry of Health has classified our mask as a medical device and as such we can import it into the country with minimal tax. Distributions are given through schools, children’s and women’s hospitals, and churches that are designated by the Government as the most at risk. Our team of volunteers and staff are present at all distribution sites and handle education, training and documented accounting for each mask. Each mask must be registered with a person’s government ID number and email address. These registration forms must be reported to the Ministry of Health in Mongolia. Masks are securely stored in our offices. Masks cannot be sold for retail per our agreement with the Mongolian Government. Every mask is given to those who have been identified as the most vulnerable by the Ministry of Health and Education Department.
I created RZ Industries & RZ Mask to help people live a healthier life.
- Steve Torbenson
RZ's vision is to help all BREATHE SAFE!
Your Heart and Lungs: The Ultimate Relationship
PERSONAL HEALTH: NOTABLE AIR POLLUTION EVENTS IN HISTORY
1 comment
Dear whom it may concern,
My name is Uunee and I live in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I was lucky enough to be given one of your filtration masks from my parents during last year’s winter. My parents work at the Union Bible Theological College here in Ulaanbaatar. I presume it was given to them through your campaign since they serve in ministry and the church.
I am overjoyed by the efforts you have made here in Mongolia to help people breath better air. However, as a Health Scientist, the Government of Mongolia still hasn’t made enough effort to educate people about the long-term dangers of air pollution, having other priorities and stalling distribution. I’m not sure if they ran out of your masks or if they are struggling to distribute them.
The reason why I am leaving a comment here after reading your article about distribution of RZ masks in Mongolia is because as I wear one of your masks and protect myself daily during the winter, but there are still a multitude of people not wearing these protective masks when the air pollution levels are bad. I have had the privilege of finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in Australia, having majored in both Health Sciences and Health and Sustainability (Public Health), it pains me to see so many people (especially young children and infants) having their most valuable asset compromised, the ability to breath and their respiratory health.
I work with many young entrepreneurs who have studied in the West, and we understand that RZ mask only distributes their masks through the Ministry of Health of the Mongolian Government. I walk to work every morning and as I walk through the streets, people usually use their scarves or gloves to cover their nose and mouths, which is not enough to protect them. I know that distributing masks is a downstream approach, but it certainly helps with spreading awareness. I am starting a new company that helps with distribution of resources and spreading health awareness here in Mongolia to battle air pollution. I am a young man without much experience in the field, but I am determined to help with distribution efforts and make a difference by helping people learn and realize that we must protect our health, one mask at a time. If you could please respond back to my email about the future plan RZ mask has in Mongolia, and whether RZ mask is open to making mask distributions opportunities open to other entities, not just the Mongolian Government, that would be wonderful. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
With warm regards from cold Ulaanbaatar,
Unenbayar Javkhlan