Unseen Danger in Healthcare: Landmark Study, Supported by Splashblocker, Receives Top National Award

YARDLEY, Pa. , April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Splashblocker, LLC is excited to announce the groundbreaking research study, "Reducing the particles generated by flushing institutional toilets. Part II: Assessing a portable and reusable toilet cover in U.S. hospitals," which evaluated the effectiveness of the Splashblocker device, has been awarded the esteemed 2024 James D'Arcy JOEH Research Article Award.

The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH), a flagship publication of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) in partnership with the Michigan Industrial Hygienist Society (MIHS), a valued member of AIHA's community, recognizes the best paper published in the journal in 2024. The winning article was selected by a panel of six expert judges from all published research in JOEH that year.

This research, led by Seth Eisenberg, OCN, BMTCN, formerly at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and corresponding author, Dr. Changjie Cai of the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hudson College of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, will be recognized at the upcoming AIHA annual conference in May during an award presentation. The landmark study revealed the Splashblocker's powerful ability to block harmful toilet plume aerosols (TPA) by 99.98% in hospitals. This significant reduction remained consistent regardless of toilet type or hospital setting.

Toilet plume aerosols have been identified as a potential route for the transmission of infectious pathogens and hazardous drugs, posing a risk to healthcare workers, patients, and their loved ones. The Splashblocker is an engineering barrier control, directly addressing this concern.

"We are incredibly proud that the rigorous scientific research supporting the Splashblocker has been recognized with this distinguished national award," said Brian P. Crawford, CEO & Co-Founder, Splashblocker, LLC. "This accolade underscores the importance of our product in improving safety within healthcare environments and reinforces our commitment to providing effective solutions that mitigate the risks associated with toilet plume aerosols. The study's remarkable findings highlight the Splashblocker's significant impact on reducing airborne particles, creating a safer environment."

Seth Eisenberg, lead author of the study, commented, "Receiving the James D'Arcy JOEH Research Article Award is a tremendous honor and validates the importance of this research. We believe these findings provide crucial evidence supporting the use of the Splashblocker to enhance safety in healthcare settings."

Dr. Changjie Cai, corresponding author of the study, added, "This award highlights the significance of our findings and the potential for the Splashblocker to make a real difference in reducing exposure risks associated with toilet plume aerosols."

Splashblocker, LLC congratulates Seth Eisenberg and Dr. Changjie Cai on this significant achievement and deeply appreciates the invaluable contributions of the 17 dedicated clinicians from the 15 participating hospitals across the United States. Their commitment to patient and healthcare worker safety, and their drive to advance meaningful science, were instrumental in the study's success and in demonstrating the real-world impact of the Splashblocker.

About Splashblocker, LLC:
Splashblocker, LLC is dedicated to manufacturing and distributing the Splashblocker, a portable, reusable toilet cover that significantly reduces toilet plume aerosols, thereby improving safety in healthcare and home environments. For more information visit www.splashblocker.com

About the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH):
JOEH is a joint publication of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and is a leading source of information on occupational and environmental hygiene research and practice.

About the Michigan Industrial Hygiene Society (MIHS):
MIHS is a member of the American Industrial Hygienist Association. MIHS was founded in 1938, and is composed of highly trained professionals who service the communities' environmental and occupational health.

About American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA):
AIHA is the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with our expertise, networks, comprehensive education programs, and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional and competency standards. 

About American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
The ACGIH's vision is to consolidate a global interchange of scientific knowledge supporting worker protection and to prevent occupational and environmental illness and disease. Their mission is to advance occupational and environmental health globally by providing educational programs, scientific data, and technical knowledge to Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) professionals in the interest of workers and the public.

CONTACT: Katie Bourke; [email protected]

SOURCE Splashblocker Distribution Company, LLC