Air Duster Research Articles

A low‐pressure compressed air insecticide applicator to manage plague on prairie dog colonies using all‐terrain vehicles

AbstractVector control is an important tool for plague management in native wildlife such as prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) and black‐footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes). Given the success of previous prototype high‐pressure air (HPA) dusters, we developed a low‐pressure air (LPA) duster that can be mounted on and powered via all‐terrain vehicle (ATV). We describe the duster prototype and compare performance to commercially available dusters and previous high‐pressure air dusters. In 2021, we infused 0.05% deltamethrin (dust) into black‐tailed prairie dogs burrows (C. ludovicianus) in Larimer County, Colorado. We then captured prairie dogs and compared flea abundance and prevalence on a site dusted with prototype LPA dusters to a non‐dusted site. The mean amount of dust (g) dispensed per burrow was higher using the LPA duster ( = 6.37, 95% CI = 6.24–6.50) from ATVs when compared to HPA prototypes ( = 5.39, 95% CI = 5.27–5.52, P ≤ 0.01) and the commercial dusters used previously ( = 5.29, 95% CI = 5.05–5.50). Low‐pressure air and HPA dusters had shorter operating time than the commercial dusters (1 second per burrow versus = 7.69, 95% CI = 7.42–7.95, P ≤ 0.01). Mean flea abundance and prevalence of flea infestation in 2021 was lower on the site dusted with prototype LPA dusters ( = 0.13 fleas, 95% CI = 0.00–0.31, prevalence = 0.065) than on a non‐dusted site ( = 8.61 fleas, 95% CI = 6.05–11.17, P ≤ 0.01, prevalence = 1.0). The LPA dusters offer several advantages over previous duster designs, including continuously generated low‐pressure compressed air, a durable build, and efficient operation from ATVs. Future work should focus on calibration at higher doses of dust and assessment of larger air tanks and more durable fuse systems. Accurate and efficient equipment along with quality control monitoring are vital to the ongoing success of vector control as a plague management tool.

Troponemia Secondary to Air Duster Inhalant Abuse.

The abuse of inhalants has become a public health concern in the USA over the past decade. Compressed air duster cans currently available in the USA contain highly toxic substances including different hydrofluorocarbons (including tetrafluoroethane and difluoroethane) which exert a psychoactive effect on the central nervous system. Several cases of inhalant-induced lethal arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation evolving to torsade de pointes and leading to cardiac arrest, have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, multiorgan failure including liver and kidney injury has been described after inhalant abuse.We report the case of a 33-year-old man found diaphoretic and with a near syncopal episode after inhalation of several cans of Surf Onn electronic duster gas cleaner, who subsequently developed acute cardiac, liver and kidney injury.LEARNING POINTSAlthough the pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, the hydrofluorocarbons in air duster cans may exert a psychoactive effect through GABA receptor stimulation and NMDA receptor inhibition.Clinicians should maintain a low threshold of suspicion for patients presenting with multiorgan failure, predominantly cardiac arrhythmias after inhalant overdose.Prompt recognition and early intervention are imperative for preventing fatal outcomes such as cardiac arrest secondary to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

The significance in detecting and determining out-of-scope findings for volatile organic compounds in forensic casework

To provide an appreciation for identifying unknown peaks in headspace gas chromatography and a process for reporting additional information for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cases. VOCs are frequently abused as inhalants (gases or solvents). They are often abused due to their accessibility and low cost. VOCs are used in a variety of products including household and commercial items such as gasoline, compressed air duster products, nail polish, glues, paints, and varnishes. They are abused because they can be inhaled or insufflated. Abusing these substances can lead to serious health problems including the possibility of death due to chemical asphyxia and/or central nervous system depression. Routine testing procedures can be used to identify many such compounds. Cases for which VOCs were detected that were not in the routine scope of testing were identified during 2020 to 2022. The samples (all blood except for one gastric case) were originally analyzed using either headspace gas chromatography with flame ionized detection (GC/FID) and/or headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Where possible, if laboratory testing was performed in addition to volatile testing, volatile testing was performed first to limit evaporation of volatile compounds. Based on the results the sample either had further testing performed or an experienced forensic toxicologist was consulted to determine the next course of action. Unknown peaks identified through volatile toxicological testing include 1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE), Chlorodifluoromethane (Freon22), and components found in gasoline such as butane, pentane, benzene, etc. It is important to establish a process to determine when additional peak identification is needed. Frequently, this is provided through case history, but that is not always readily available. Depending on the sample matrix, the detected analytes, and their volatility, results were reported either qualitatively or quantitatively. Case reports for select samples will be discussed further to demonstrate the inherent value of this approach. Challenges exist with the use of headspace gas chromatography in the identification of unknown peaks. These peaks can provide vital information about a case. It is important to be vigilant when assessing such data since these peaks can often be missed or overlooked due to limits in the method. Identified unusual peaks in the chromatography should be interpreted with caution and additional case information needs to be sought. The significant findings from the out-of-scope headspace gas chromatography analysis can provide key toxicological information in cases when no other additional results are found.

1,1-Difluoroethane Forensic Aspects for the Toxicologist and Pathologist.

1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE) is a halogenated hydrocarbon that is commonly used as a propellant in air duster products. Herein, the pharmacology of DFE was reviewed, and questions relevant to medicolegal investigations were addressed. Particular emphasis was given to detection time in biological specimens and the range, onset and duration of effects. DFE may be abused as an inhalant and is rapidly absorbed through the lungs. Onset of central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects is within seconds and the duration may only last minutes. The effects may lead to impairment of human performance, including confusion, lethargy, impaired judgment, loss of motor coordination and loss of consciousness. Death may result even after the first use. With heavy use or in combination with other CNS depressants, extended periods of drowsiness or loss of consciousness may be observed with an increased risk of a fatal event. A majority of impaired driving investigations where DFE was identified included a collision demonstrating the significant impact its use may have on traffic safety. When DFE is identified alone, without other drugs that cause CNS impairment, the effects may not be observable minutes after the crash, making identification of its use difficult. Although concentrations dissipate rapidly, DFE has been detected in blood specimens collected up to 3 hours after the driving incident. Two studies on passive exposure presented herein demonstrated that it is unlikely to detect DFE above concentrations of ∼2.6 µg/mL in blood or urine due to even extreme unintentional exposure. Alternative specimens such as brain, lung and tracheal air should be considered in some postmortem investigations. DFE has been identified in blood specimens from postmortem cases at concentrations from 0.14 to 460 µg/mL and in impaired driving cases from 0.16 to 140 µg/mL.

Developing a tool to shoot genes by a man-made air pressure

BackgroundBiolistic systems are used to shoot exogenous DNA, RNA, protein, and other macromolecules to transfer them into cells for genetic transformation, genome editing, and drug delivery. Such systems are especially useful for plants and other organisms that are incompatible with other macromolecule delivery methods. Commercially available, conventional biolistic systems consist of a shooting device (or “gun”) and a cylinder bottle for high-pressure helium gas. These cost a lot for installation and have low portability. ResultsWe assembled an inexpensive air duster gun and a hand pump into a portable tool to shoot genes by a man-made air pressure (TSGAMAP). TSGAMAP allows to shoot DNA-coated gold particles with the 3-MPa maximum air pressure. When DNA with a fluorescent protein gene, GFP, was shot by TSGAMAP into leaf epidermal cells of onion, leaf lettuce, and Chinese cabbage, for all of these species, some cells in all became to exhibit GFP signals. When GFP was shot with another fluorescent protein gene, mCherry, into Chinese cabbage cells, both GFP and mCherry signals were detected in some cells. When a transcription factor gene AoAMS was fused with GFP and shot into Chinese cabbage cells, nuclear-localized GFP signals were detected in some cells. These results suggest that TSGAMAP can be used for protein coexpression and protein subcellular localization analyses. ConclusionsTSGAMAP is a cost-saving and portable tool to shoot DNA and other microparticles into cells. This can expand the use of biolistics in research and education.

Investigation of Connector Performance and Damage to Optical Fiber Connectors With Dust During High-Power Transmission

We investigated the conditions that cause a connector damage during a high-power transmission in an optical connector with house dust on its endface. In this paper, to examine the connector conditions that cause the connector damage, we focused on optical characteristics, such as insertion loss and return loss, dust attachment pattern, and optical power. We show the relationship between the connector damage and the MFD of the fiber used in telecommunication network when house dust is used as a contaminant. Moreover, we show the threshold value of the input power level needed for damage to occur to a connector with house dust on its endface when that power is interrupted completely. We also describe the operating procedure for a secure high-power transmission, where the procedure consists of connector cleaning, connector endface observation, and insertion and return loss measurements. We show that it becomes possible to completely remove dust, which we could not remove with a cleaner alone, by using an air duster in combination with a cleaner. We also show that an optical connector cleaned with our proposed procedure, which exhibited an insertion loss of less than 0.5 dB and a return loss exceeding 45 dB, tolerated a high optical power of 5 W.

Experiment of Aerodynamic Force on a Rotating Soccer Ball

The purpose of this study was to measure the aerodynamic force acting upon a soccer ball spun in a wind-tunnel test. In particular, we prepared two types of spinning soccer balls (air and motor types), measured the aerodynamic force on each, and examined the validity of the measurement method. In the case of the air-type spinning ball, the ball was made to spin by applying compressed air from an air compressor via an air duster. In the case of the motor-type spinning ball, a motor was placed at the middle inside the ball, and the ball was then automatically spun. First, both the air- and motor-type spinning balls demonstrated very strong spin-parameter (Sp) dependence with respect to drag during spinning. In addition, the side-force coefficient showed signs of linear increase as Sp increased in the motor-type spinning ball, whereas it increased along a slight curve in the air-type spinning ball. In particular, a negative Magnus effect was observed in the motor-type spinning ball when the Reynolds number was approximately 2.0 × 105 and Sp was approximately 0.14 (-0.007) and when the Reynolds number was approximately 2.2 × 105 and Sp was approximately 0.13 (-0.005).

A Case of Cold Injury Caused by a Gas Duster (Air Duster®)

A Case of Cold Injury Caused by a Gas Duster (Air Duster^®)

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function by Bedside Ultrasound in Acute Toxic Myocarditis

BackgroundMyocarditis can be difficult to diagnose in the Emergency Department (ED) due to the lack of classic symptoms and the wide variation in presentations. Poor cardiac contractility is a common finding in myocarditis and can be evaluated by bedside ultrasound. ObjectiveTo demonstrate the utility of fractional shortening measurements as an estimation of left ventricular function during bedside cardiac ultrasound evaluation in the ED. Case ReportA 54-year-old man presented to the ED complaining of 3 days of chest tightness, palpitations, and dyspnea, as well as persistent abdominal pain and vomiting. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus tachycardia with presumably new ST-segment elevation and signs of an incomplete right bundle branch block. A bedside echocardiogram was performed by the emergency physician that showed poor left ventricular function by endocardial fractional shortening measurements. On further questioning, the patient revealed that for the past 2 weeks he had been regularly huffing a commercially available compressed air duster. Based on these history and examination findings, the patient was given a presumptive diagnosis of toxic myocarditis. A follow-up echocardiogram approximately 7 weeks later demonstrated resolution of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction and his ECG findings normalized. ConclusionCardiac ultrasound findings of severely reduced global function measured by endocardial fractional shortening were seen in this patient and supported the diagnosis of myocarditis. Endocardial fractional shortening is a useful means of easily evaluating and documenting left ventricular function and can be performed at the bedside in the ED.

A fatality due to inhalation of 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) with a peculiar device

A man aged in his thirties was found dead in his room, wearing a gas mask connected with two plastic bags. An empty canister of Air Duster was in one of the plastic bags. Toxicological analysis by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry and GC-flame ionization detection revealed the presence of 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a), which is a component of the Air Duster aerosol. Quantitative analysis showed that the concentration of 1,1-difluoroethane in his heart blood was as high as 546 μg/ml. The cause of death was diagnosed as acute poisoning by 1,1-difluoroethane. It was supposed that he abused the Air Duster product to obtain euphoria and inhaled 1,1-difluoroethane at excessive concentrations with the peculiar tight-fitting gas inhalation device, resulting in his death.

Inhalant use among incarcerated adolescents in the United States: Prevalence, characteristics, and correlates of use

Objective To characterize patterns and correlates of inhalant use among incarcerated youth. Method Residents ( N = 723) of 27 Missouri Division of Youth Services facilities completed interviews assessing substance use, psychiatric symptoms, antisocial traits, trauma, suicidality, and criminality. Results Participants averaged 15.5 (S.D. = 1.2) years of age, were ethnically diverse, and predominantly male. More than one-third (36.9%) reported lifetime inhalant use; 47.9% of users had tried four or more inhalant products. Comparatively high rates of use were observed for Hispanic and small town/rural youth. Commonly abused agents included gasoline (22%), permanent markers (15%), computer “air duster,” (15%) and spray paint (12%). Inhalant users evidenced significantly higher levels of criminal behavior, antisocial attitudes, current psychiatric symptoms, earlier onset of offending and substance use, and more extensive histories of head injury, kidney disease, hormonal problems, mental illness, suicidality, trauma, and substance-related problems than nonusers. In multiple logistic regression models, race/ethnicity, geographic area of residence, fearlessness, suicidality, and polydrug use distinguished inhalant users and nonusers. Measures of cognitive impairment, impulsivity, fearlessness, blame externalization, polydrug use, and substance-related problems were positively associated with lifetime frequency of inhalant use. Conclusions Inhalant use was widespread in this sample and associated with serious physical and mental health impairments.

Hydrofluoric Acid Burn in a Child From a Compressed Air Duster

Abuse of fluorinated hydrocarbons is on the rise, especially among the adolescent population. These products are potentially hazardous and pose substantial risks when abused. The psychosocial aspects related to inhalant abuse, and the treatment of adolescents with inhalant injuries is unique. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with burns from these products. We present a case of a 12-year-old girl who suffered first- and second-degree burns to her face, neck, shoulder, and chest during an episode of recreational inhalant abuse with 1,1-difluoroethane from an aerosolized computer cleaner. This is one of the youngest cases reported in literature with such burns from questionable fluorinated hydrocarbon abuse. Because of the accessible nature of these compounds around homes, schools, and offices, it is critical for health care providers to have an awareness of the potential hazards and devastating consequences of their abuse. We propose an approach to the care of these patients that provides a focus on both prevention and attention to mental health.