Life Straw Family

Medical equipment data
Health topic Waterborne diseases
Health classification Preventative
Project data
Type
Authors
Location Lausanne, Switzerland
Status Commercialized
Years

Problem being addressed

An estimated 884 million people in the world do not have access to safe drinkable water. 1 in 5 deaths of children are due to diarrheal diseases. Sometimes water treatment at the source is not enough to prevent disease. Cleaning the water at the place of consumption is sometimes more effective.

Detailed description of the solution

This device is a gravity fed water purifier that functions without electricity. The water is purified through a microfiber network that filters out anything larger than 20nm.

Relevance to developing country settings

This device is designed for developing settings. It is built to last for 5 years without replacement parts. When sold in large quantities, it is sold at $20 each. It is built to run without the use of electricity. There have been clinical trials conducted in Zambia.

Manufacturing

  • Manufacturer: Vestergaard Frandsen
  • Manufacturer location: Lausanne, Switzerland

Funding Source

$50,000 was provided by Saatchi & Saatchi.

References

Peer-reviewed publication

Clasen, T, Naranjo J, Frauchiger D, and Gerba C. (2009.) Laboratory assessment of a gravity-fed ultrafiltration water treatment device designed for household use in low-income settings." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 80(5), 819-823.

Internally generated reports

Vestergard F. (n.d.) LifeStraw® Family – introduction. Link available here.

Page data
Authors Evashiu
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Cite as Evashiu (2012–2022). "Life Straw Family". Appropedia. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
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