What Is an Electric Dust Blower?

Use an electric dust blower to remove dust on your keyboard, monitor and motherboard.

An electric dust blower is a handheld device used to remove dust from computers and other electronic equipment. It is a reusable and chemical-free alternative to "canned air" commonly sold in office supply stores.

Function

An electric dust blower can be battery-powered or plug into a standard wall outlet or a USB port. Some blowers have different attachments, similar to those on a vacuum cleaner, to adapt to the equipment that needs to be cleaned.

Considerations

Electric dust blowers are not vacuums, so they do not remove dust completely. They only bring the dust to the surface or away from the device so the dust can be properly removed. Keep a dust-collecting cloth nearby to clean off the blown dust.

Alternative to Canned Air

Canned air, also known as canned dust remover, has been the source of a number of huffing abuse problems among children and teens. The product often contains flammable chemicals, most commonly difluoroethane, that can become dangerous when inhaled. Frostbite, toxicity and asphyxiation are among injuries resulting from canned-air abuse. Electric dust removers are often marketed as a "green" alternative to canned air.

References

• Office 1000: DataVac ElectricDuster Model ED500
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Improper Use of Canned-Air Products Can Cause Flash Fires and Injury