An invisible, virus-killing mask

Air curtain technology created by a U-M startup, Taza Aya, can attach to the brim of a hard hat and deflect 99.8% of aerosols from reaching a worker’s face, potentially offering a new protection option for workers in industries where respiratory disease transmission is a concern. Independent, third-party testing of the device showed the effectiveness of a downward-flowing air curtain, curved to encircle the face, coming from nozzles at the hat’s brim a few inches from the face. That curtain is just one part of the device’s defense against pathogens.

"Our air curtain technology is precisely designed to protect wearers from airborne infectious pathogens, using treated air as a barrier in which any pathogens present have been inactivated so that they are no longer able to infect you if you breathe them in," said Herek Clack, a U-M associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, and a Taza Aya co-founder. "It's virtually unheard of—our level of protection against airborne germs, especially when combined with the improved ergonomics it also provides."

Find out about more of Herek Clack's research by check out his lab site:
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[rorykorathu-larson]

A wearable laminar flow hood, kinda interesting

[JeckNoTree]

If it helps to reduce infections, why not, good job.

[ALEXANDRADOUVAS]

Really revolutionary! That's thinking out of the box and into the curtain!

[ericlotze]

Are there any Ozone Exposure (or generation from large amounts of staff using them in an enclosed space) issues with the Plasma?

Also what is the pros/cons vs a PAPR system?

[cherylmC]

Works for stores and freezers- this is very, very good work!! Cheapskate me is going to try this!

[gerardhughes]

Pretty cool technology, but it does look like it takes 20 pounds of gear worth thousands of dollars to replace a 9 gram, $1 filtering facepiece respirator.

I'd be interesed in seeing detailed simulated workplace protection factor scores taken while moving or with cross breezes. An unshielded air curtain seems vulnerable to entrainment. But it is impressive how well it reportedly works.

I'd be interested if the air curtain design can work with existing 8 CFM PAPR blowers, or, if not, what the blower requirements are.

[b.c.]

What happens when someone sneezes? What about high speed aerosol sprays (like from a toilet)?

[cbpostservice]

Been recently thinking about this for the garbage company. They may not have to lift bins anymore which is good, but the air quality can be terrible and especially in the summer time.

[kikijewell]

Very exciting! Though, I wonder about the venturi effect - where the flow of air draws surrounding air in. I'd add a low pressure air source for the venturi effect, so contaminated air isn't what's drawn in.

I'm also curious about the noise, especially through the ribbed, flexible tubing. High pressure air of any kind can be very noisy.

[JillKnapp]

This is amazing! It's especially Important for poultry and dairy workers as avian influenza is trying had to make the jump to human-to-human spread.

[TheMysticSaint]

What an extravagant service to replace a simple wearable filter. How many thousands does it cost, how heavy is it, how long can it run on its charge, and if the person wearing it coughs or sneezes will the air curtain protect the people on the other side?

[jayrun]

This is crazy cool! I really want to see this get bigger and more mainstream!! Good luck

[cbpostservice]

I love good innovation but i wonder about "dry eye". I'd have to try it myself! 😊

[scdrescher]

As a former paramedic constantly exposed to TSS (Toxic Sock Syndrome), I approve this message.

[tomcloud]

There is no information about the battery life of the mask. I assume it can only operate by battery, but have no idea how long it lasts with each charge

[whereswaldo]

As a nurse I used to wear something very similar. But with a face shield. It was of a higher efficiency than even this.
Anyone watching this should realize it’s ineffectiveness to eat or drink. The particulate would still get on your food and in your drink.

[ericfielding]

This sounds great for the turkey processing facility and some other places. It doesn’t seem practical for everyone to use because it must be expensive.

[billybob]

need that for when I am eating it from the back

[ADude-fz]

An interesting and valid statement concerning the limitations to effective communication when wearing a mask…

[Mossy-Rock]

Interesting! Wouldn't adding a clear plastic face shield make it even more effective?