Koji Kakutani¹, Yoshinori Matsuda^2,, Yoshihiro Takikawa³, Hideyoshi Toyoda⁴

The following review aims to introduce electrostatic techniques for addressing public health issues caused by both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) agents. Biotic agents include viruses present in droplets, airborne fungal spores, pollen, and flying insect pests like mosquitoes and houseflies. The abiotic agent discussed is tobacco smoke. Electrostatic techniques involve creating electric fields between charged conductors, such as a metal rod, metal net, and spiked perforated metal plate, and a grounded metal net. These instruments generate two types of electric fields: static electric fields and dynamic electric fields. Static electric fields are utilized to capture or repel the target agents, while dynamic electric fields are employed to eliminate them through arc discharge exposure. Another application of dynamic electric fields is corona discharge generation, beneficial for trapping fine particles from tobacco smoke and viral particles carried by droplet transmission. This is achieved through the production of negative ions and ionic wind in the electric field. The electric fields produced serve as spatial barriers, preventing harmful agents from entering human living spaces by capturing, repelling, and killing them. Notably, the devices proposed in this review have a simple structure, enabling general readers to construct them inexpensively using common materials or modify them as needed. This review provides basic information and instructions on electrostatic techniques, serving as an introduction to new research in public health issues for readers who may not be familiar with technical aspects.

arc discharge, attractive force, corona discharge, electric field, negative ionization, spatial barrier