Allergies And Clean Air
Ted Zajac, Jr.
Allergies are caused by exposure to pollution of either a
particulate form such as pollen or a chemical form such as
polyvinylchloride. The results of exposure to a pollutant to
which the body is allergic vary dramatically. Hayfever with a
few sneezes in the morning is a mild reaction while Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity can completely debilitate a sufferer. So,
what can be done to reduce the symptoms from these allergies?
The answer is a lot.
While this article addresses the use of portable air purifiers,
the first layer in a plan to reduce allergic symptoms must be to
eliminate the source of the pollution. An air purifier is
typically not able to keep up with an active source. So, for
instance, while a good home air purifier can reduce the smell
and particulates from a cigar, it will not be effective while a
cigar is being smoked. Secondly, surfaces and materials that
might harbor the pollutant such as rugs, walls, light bulbs,
drapery, and upholstery must be cleaned or eliminated from the
environment. All of these items will continue to return the
pollutant to the environment. Thirdly, if there is a forced air
system in the home or office the filter must be changed
regularly and duct cleaning should be considered in older homes
and offices. Often these first steps remove the pollutant and
the allergy sufferer finds relief without the use of an air
purifier.
All of the effective air purifier technologies are simple.
There is a box with a fan and some system, either electronic or
mechanical, that removes pollutants from the airflow that is
passing though the box. The real key to understanding how to
use an air purifier is to remember that only the air that goes
though the box gets cleaned. So, if you have a very long room
you may be better with two small air purifiers at either end
rather than one large unit in the middle. Think logically and
remember how these devices work.
The technology that you should employ is determined by what
type of pollutant you are trying to remove. Adsorption media
such as activated carbon or zeolite will remove chemical
pollutants, HEPA and electronic technologies will remove
particulates, and UV technology will disable microorganisms.
Typically these technologies are used in combination.
Pollen is a particulate pollutant and is best addressed with
either a HEPA system or an electronic system. HEPA is highly
effective but the filters must be changes on an interval that
varies from 6-months to 5-years depending on the manufacturer.
Electronic filter elements do not need to be changed but must
be washed regularly to remain effective. Both of these
technologies are usually combined with an activated carbon
filter. These vary from pounds of media to a then mat. Since
pollen is a particulate we do not need to worry about the
activated carbon but do not expect much from the activated
carbon mats. They do not offer enough exposure time to be
effective at removing chemicals or odors.
Microorganisms are often a concern for those that have weak or
damaged immune systems including the very young and elderly.
The most effective way to address the spread of microorganisms
is the use of UV light in the air purifier. This light affects
the DNA of the organism and at least keeps it from reproducing
but more often kills it. UV light is typically employed in
conjunction with HEPA technology so that the air is clean of
particulates that would shade the microorganisms from the UV
radiation.
Chemicals are removed from the air via a process known as
adsorption. A media is used such as activated carbon that has
tremendous surface area. As the chemicals encounter the media
they adhere to the media and coat it, thus removing the
chemicals from the air. While activated carbon is a good
general purpose media, there are other mixtures that have been
created by the air purifier companies that address specific
compounds. Therefore, if you know which compounds you are
targeting for removal it is best to communicate this with the
firm to get the proper mixture to address your issue. Much like
UV, HEPA is usually used in combination with the adsorbing
media. This assures that the media does not become clogged with
particulate pollution and made less effective.
In summary, the first defense against airborne allergens to
remove the source of the allergen and anything that will retain
the allergen. Secondly, pick a technology that is effective with
the specific allergen that is the issue. Thirdly apply air
purifiers in such a way as to maximize the air that is going
though the unit.
About The Author: Ted Zajac Jr. is a graduate of Johns Hopkins
University and Vice President of Technology for ClearFlite
Incorporated that can be found at
http://www.airpurifiers.com .
Ted has been published in a variety of magazines from Byte to
Hydraulics and Pneumatics.
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