It is a purpose of the invention to provide a dust protector for an image exposure device capable of preventing particles from sticking to windows or the like of the image exposure device and free from moisture condensation on the windows or the like of the image exposure device as a result of direct exposure of the same to the atmosphere and an image forming apparatus utilizing the same. The purpose is achieved by providing a dust protector for an image exposure device for performing image exposure on a member to be exposed from below with a dust protective member for preventing particles from sticking to at least a member located above an optical path of the image exposure device by covering the image exposure device from above without blocking the optical path of the image exposure device and an air flow generating unit for generating an air flow that prevents particles from entering the region covered by the dust protective member.