Are there residential air cleaning and purifying products that are as good as those used in hospitals and health care facilities?

There are several residential models of air purifiers and cleaners that are just as effective as the system wide treatment products used in hospitals and health care settings. Home systems can be used for treatment of individual rooms or the entire home, depending on the location of the system and what is required. In general air purifiers and cleaners with HEPA filters are a good start and combining HEPA filters with UV light in air purifiers and cleaners will provide the same level of control that hospitals and clinical settings use.

For controlling the smaller allergens that may go through a HEPA type of filter, UV light is really the most effective option. These types of allergy treatment programs can remove any organic types of matter from the air and literally destroy it before it causes any allergic reactions.

Can your air conditioning unit actually be causing allergy problems?

Molds, mildew, bacteria, yeast and other potential spore producing fungi can and do live in the air conditioning coils and drains of your air conditioning unit. These contaminants and allergens then are right within the unit, blowing out through your home every time the air conditioner comes on. The conditions around the coils are ideal for growth of these types of microorganisms since it is dark, wet and warm. UV light systems that provide cycles of UV light to the air conditioner coils kill both the spores as well as the adult organisms. Typically this results in a very quick decrease in the amount of allergens in the home or building, often with very dramatic positive health results.

Is Hay Fever the same as an allergy and what is the treatment?

Hay fever is a type of allergic reaction, typically to dust, smoke and pollen. Like any other type of allergy, reducing the contaminants that trigger the hay fever is the best way to avoid any complications as the symptoms of the allergy. Since HEPA filters, UV light treatment or a combination of both will remove dust, pollen and some smoke from the air they are great options. Active carbon and other types of filters can also be added to completely remove smoke, VOC's and other irritants that may be triggering the reaction.

What information proves that air cleaners and purifiers can help with allergy treatment and prevention?

There have been several studies done on the effectiveness of UV light types of air cleaners and purifiers in different buildings, hospitals and facilities. McGill University recently completed a study in November of 2003 that indicated that the use of UV germicidal lights resulted in a 20% decrease workers calling in sick and a 40% overall decrease in respiratory problems reported by those working in the building.

In addition HEPA filters have long been used in air purifiers and cleaners in hospital settings and can effectively remove 99.9% of all contaminants in the air that are 0.3 microns and larger.

What is the most important feature to consider in airborne allergy care in residential or office type settings?

What is the most important feature to consider in airborne allergy care in residential or office type settings?

Keeping the air free from potential allergy causing airborne contaminants is the single most important way to prevent airborne allergy problems. Although there are great ways to disinfect surfaces, keep hands constantly washed and even use holistic and pharmaceutical regimes to help keep bodies healthy, once an allergen is in the body the body is going to react.

Using air purifiers and cleaners to constantly remove allergens from the air in circulation in the building is really the key. Airborne allergy care through air purifiers or cleaners also cuts down on viruses and bacteria in the air, leading to less sick time in buildings and fewer problems with germs being passed back and forth between family members.

How are UV air purifiers and cleaners safe to use when people are in the room or the building?

UV light can be very damaging to any type of living organism, however in air purifiers and cleaners the UV light bulbs are located within the air purifier or cleaner unit, completely shielded from any expose of the individuals in and around the system. These systems are so save they are even used in hospitals, clinics and medical treatment facilities where maintaining contaminant free environments are absolutely essential to the health and recovery of patients.

UV light sources for some types of air purifiers are not shielded, and these systems are only used in vacant rooms. Even these systems have safety features built into place to prevent any accidental exposure. One important safety feature is a infrared motion detector that automatically shuts down the system with any movement in the room. Individuals cannot accidentally walk into a room when the UV cleaner is in the sterilization part of the cycle, ensuring there is no harm when these types of accidents occur.

What other ways can homes use to deal with airborne allergy care?

Carefully controlling the levels of dust, VOC's, molds and other types of environmental contaminants in the home can really cut down on airborne allergy problems. This means routine dusting, vacuuming and disinfecting as well as keeping the home with a humidity level of less than 50%. Higher humidity tends to encourage the growth of molds, fungus and mildews that in turn lead to more allergy symptoms and problems.

Can controlling allergy symptoms help in reducing asthma attacks?

Since allergies cause irritation in the sinuses and airways, chronic or even occasional allergic reactions to airborne contaminants can lead to chronic irritation of the airways. Since asthma is a similar condition that results in the airways actually closing, any previous irritation from allergy symptoms will just increase the chance of an asthma attack. Airborne allergy care really can help cut down on asthma problems for those already diagnosed, and it may also help decrease the likelihood of someone developing asthma in the future.

Air purifiers and cleaners, disinfectants, routine fresh air exchange in homes and even proper venting and circulation of air in the home can have significant health benefits besides just controlling allergies.