In a significant advancement for occupational health and safety, Taza Aya, a University of Michigan startup, has developed a groundbreaking hard hat equipped with an innovative air curtain. This technology aims to protect workers in industries where airborne pathogen exposure poses significant risks.
Taza Aya’s innovative technology
At the core of Taza Aya’s innovation is an air curtain that descends from the brim of a hard hat, effectively shielding the wearer’s face from 99.8% of aerosols. This feat is achieved through a sophisticated system of nozzles and nonthermal plasma technology, meticulously designed to neutralize airborne pathogens before they can reach the wearer. Third-party testing has validated the effectiveness of this approach, confirming its potential to revolutionize respiratory protection in hazardous work environments.
Dr. Herek Clack, co-founder of Taza Aya and associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at U-M, explains the technology’s novel application of nonthermal plasma. Unlike traditional methods that rely on heat for sterilization, Taza Aya’s nonthermal plasma uses highly energetic, electrically charged molecules to achieve pathogen inactivation. These molecules stabilize rapidly into ordinary air before reaching the air curtain’s nozzle array, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
Prototype development and specifications
Taza Aya’s prototype integrates seamlessly into a backpack worn by the user, weighing approximately 10 pounds. This backpack houses essential components including the nonthermal plasma module, air handler, electronics, and a battery pack. The air handler draws ambient air into the module, where it undergoes thorough treatment to eliminate pathogens. The purified air then flows through the air curtain’s nozzle array, creating a protective barrier around the wearer.
The design prioritizes user comfort and practicality, addressing critical needs in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, where respiratory protection is paramount. Future iterations aim to further optimize portability and efficiency, enhancing usability across diverse workplace settings.
Addressing industry challenges
The development of Taza Aya’s technology comes at a critical juncture, responding to challenges exacerbated by recent global events. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerability of essential workers, while outbreaks of diseases like avian flu continue to pose risks in agricultural settings.
Traditional protective measures, such as masks, have proven inadequate in noisy industrial environments, where clear communication is essential for safety and productivity. Taza Aya’s Worker Wearable Protection device offers a viable alternative by ensuring clear communication channels while providing superior respiratory protection. This dual benefit enhances workplace safety without compromising operational efficiency—a significant advantage for industries reliant on uninterrupted workflow.
User testing and industry impact
Taza Aya conducted extensive user testing at Michigan Turkey Producers, a poultry processing plant known for its commitment to humane practices. Workers at the facility, many of whom have direct contact with birds during their daily tasks, expressed positive feedback regarding the ease of use and effectiveness of the Worker Wearable Protection device. Unlike conventional masks that obstruct communication and fog safety goggles, Taza Aya’s technology facilitates seamless interaction while safeguarding against airborne pathogens.
Future prospects and expansion
Looking ahead, Taza Aya aims to launch its Worker Wearable Protection device by 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of occupational safety. The company’s participation in initiatives like the Invisible Shield QuickFire Challenge underscores its commitment to advancing technologies that protect against airborne viruses, paving the way for broader adoption across industries worldwide.
With ongoing advancements in nonthermal plasma technology and user-centric design, Taza Aya is poised to redefine standards for respiratory protection in the workplace. By combining scientific innovation with practical applications, the startup promises to enhance worker well-being and safety in environments where airborne pathogen exposure is a persistent concern.
Taza Aya’s pioneering air curtain technology represents a paradigm shift in worker safety, leveraging cutting-edge science to mitigate risks associated with airborne pathogens. As industries adapt to evolving health challenges, innovations like Taza Aya’s Worker Wearable Protection device offer a transformative solution—empowering workers with enhanced protection and operational resilience in dynamic work environments.
