Thesis
Potential use of personal ionizers to reduce occupational exposure
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
DOI: 10.25820/etd.007965
Abstract
Airborne particulate matter (PM), especially fine and ultrafine particles, continues to pose health risks in many workplace environments. While traditional controls like ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential, they may fall short in enclosed or low-airflow settings. This study evaluated four commercially available wearable air ionizers, AirTamer, Twinkle, Air Supply, and Timage, to explore their effectiveness as supplemental tools for reducing particle exposure.Experiments were conducted in both small and large controlled chambers to simulate real-world conditions. The AirTamer consistently showed the strongest performance, cleaned 99.9% particles in 4 minutes, with a particle decay rate of 2.80% per second and a steady-state suppression rate of about 10%. In contrast, the other devices delivered minimal or no improvement, and some failed to perform anywhere near their manufacturer-stated ion outputs.
Ion emission levels varied widely among the devices, and in several cases, fluctuated more than the average, indicating unstable ion generation. These inconsistencies likely played a role in their poor performance. Even the best-performing ionizer achieved only around a 10% reduction in particle levels, well below the commonly recommended 80% suppression threshold. Overall, the findings suggest that while high-output ionizers like the AirTamer can help lower airborne particle concentrations in controlled environments, wearable ionizers should be seen as limited, short-range tools. They are not a substitute for primary exposure controls like ventilation or filtration systems.
Future research should focus on improving ionizer design, stabilizing performance, and establishing standardized testing methods to help employers and users make informed choices.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Potential use of personal ionizers to reduce occupational exposure
- Creators
- Raju Ahmed
- Contributors
- Patrick O’Shaughnessy (Advisor)Diane Rohlman (Committee Member)Nathan Fethke (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007965
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- ix, 52 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Raju Ahmed
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 04/24/2025
- Description illustrations
- color illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (page 44-49).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
Tiny airborne particles, often invisible to the eye, can pose serious health risks, especially for workers in hospitals, factories, or construction sites. Fine and ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and heart issues. While tools like face masks and ventilation systems help reduce exposure, they may be less effective in closed or poorly ventilated spaces.
This study investigated whether wearable air purifiers, specifically neck-worn ionizers, could provide extra protection. These devices release charged particles (ions) intended to push harmful particles away from the user’s breathing zone. The study tested four popular models in a controlled setting.
The results were mixed. The AirTamer stood out by significantly reducing airborne particles, while Twinkle showed only modest improvement. In contrast, Air Supply and Timage had little to no impact, and one even appeared to worsen air quality. However, even the top performer, AirTamer, fell well short of the recommended threshold for effective air cleaning.
In summary, some wearable ionizers may offer slight benefits in confined or low-ventilation areas, but they should only be viewed as a supplement, not a replacement, for proper ventilation, filtration, or masks. To help users make informed choices, clearer labeling, honest marketing, and standardized independent testing (e.g., via EPA or AHAM) are essential. Without these, it’s hard to know which devices truly deliver on their promises.
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984830728202771
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