Airgle Air Purifiers - Air Cleaners

Air Purifier Addresses Seasonal Allergies

Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, is a very common seasonal allergy. 

Pollen is produced by all flowering plants, and is microscopic airborne cells which are essential for plant reproduction.  It is produced seasonally, generally during the spring and summer (from February to October), although the exact time will depend on the plant species, temperature and geographical location.   Most of the pollen responsible for allergies in North America is produced by weed species, although grass and tree pollen can also produce symptoms in susceptible people.

When airborne pollen is breathed in, it is trapped by the mucus of the nose and moved to the throat from where it will be coughed up or swallowed.  In an allergic person, when the pollen contacts the mucus membranes of the nose an inflammatory reaction will start.  Chemicals such as histamine will be released from inflammatory cells.  This causes dilation of blood vessels in the nose, causing congestion as the nasal passages will become swollen.  There is also increased mucus production and the inflammatory chemicals cause itching and irritation.

Those allergic to pollen will typically suffer from sneezing, which is the most frequently seen symptom of pollen allergy.  The eyes may water and itch, and there may also be conjunctivitis, causing red-rimmed eyes.  The nose will feel congested and may run due to increased mucus production.  There may also be dark circles under the eyes as blood flow is limited near the sinus area.  Asthma may develop in some individuals, and this may become chronic and severe.  Asthma is a very serious condition, which can sometimes even be fatal.  Anyone that develops asthma should be under a doctor's care.

Pollen allergy can be diagnosed by a skin test, which will also show which plants are producing the allergenic pollen.  Small amounts of different pollens are applied to a scratch on the arm, and if a raised red area is seen there is an allergy to that pollen.  Skin tests are the most sensitive and cheapest form of diagnosis.  If skin tests cannot be carried out, a blood test may be performed to look for antibodies to a particular allergen.  This is done less frequently as it is expensive, takes weeks for results and is less sensitive than skin tests.

•  Reduction in the amount of time spent outside, especially when pollen levels will be high, or if unavoidable, wearing a face mask
• Closing windows during the pollen season and not drying clothes outside in the wind, as pollen becomes trapped in the fabric and can then be breathed in when the clothes are worn
• Avoiding places where high amounts of pollen are likely to be, for example by traveling to the coast during the summer where pollen levels are likely to be low

However, these measures may not always be possible and will not ensure complete protection from inhalation of pollen and subsequent allergy symptoms.  Medications that provide relief from pollen allergy symptoms are antihistamines, nasal decongestants and corticosteroids, but these medications have side effects, may be expensive and may not be suitable for long-term use.  Desensitization therapy (also known as 'allergy shots') may be of benefit.  Low doses of the appropriate pollen allergen are administered to the patient so the body gradually becomes tolerant.  This is, however, not suitable for all patients, can take months to produce effects, and is expensive. 

Reducing exposure to pollen allergens is therefore a very important part of treating seasonal allergies.  Even in the home, pollen will be found as there are vast quantities carried on the wind and some air will always circulate, bringing pollen into the home.  In sensitive individuals, symptoms may be seen in the home even if no time is spent outside, as it is not possible to completely prevent pollen entering the home.  Measures must therefore be taken to remove pollen from air inside the house to that symptoms can be relieved.

A high-quality air purifier is the only way to accomplish this.  Air purifiers are designed to improve the air quality by filtering air, removing allergen particles and therefore providing relief from allergies.  The most efficient type of air filters are HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air filters.  They were first developed to remove traces of radioactive dust from the air at laboratories using radioactive material for research.  HEPA filters are 99.97% effective at removing particles as small as 0.3 microns.  These particles are 150 times smaller than the smallest particle visible to the naked eye, and so will remove not only pollen but tobacco smoke, dust mites, pollen, dander, smog, mold, and other airborne pollutants.  They are so effective that they are used in hospital operating theaters to extract airborne particles. 

The benefits of air purifiers with HEPA filters have been demonstrated by scientific research not only for seasonal pollen allergy, but also for allergies to indoor pollutants such as dust mites and pet allergens.  An air purifier with HEPA filters is essential to provide the highest possible indoor air quality.  This is the most important step that can be taken to reduce allergy symptoms without using possibly harmful medications.

The best air purifiers incorporate not only HEPA filters but also pre-filters, activated carbon filters and antimicrobial filters.  Pre-filters will remove larger particles from the air, such as dust or hair.  Dust and dust mites are an important cause of non-seasonal allergies, so this is also beneficial to allergy sufferers as new allergies can develop at any time.  Activated carbon filters remove indoor pollutants such as harmful gases and volatile organic chemicals.  Although these do not cause allergies, they are harmful to health.  Unwanted odors will also be removed by activated carbon filters.  Antimicrobial filters will kill any bacteria in the air.  The best air purifiers have 2-4 of each type of filter for maximal efficiency.  A useful feature of some air purifiers is a built-in indicator for when the filters need to be replaced.  This is important as for air purifiers to remain effective, filters need to be replaced regularly.  Replacing filters when necessary will ensure that the air purifier is always working to maximal effect.

Some air purifiers have built-in air quality monitors, so that they can continuously check the levels of airborne pollutants.  They will then start the filtration and adjust the operating speed for best performance at any time of day, so the air is always purified and allergy sufferers are protected.  The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers tests air purifiers and measures the clean air delivery rate (CADR), a measure of efficiency. 

When choosing an air purifier, look for one with as higher CADR as possible.  It is also important to know the size or area of your home or office to obtain an air purifier which will purify the appropriate volume of air.  This is called the effective coverage area and is measured in square feet.  For best effects it is better to choose a purifier with an effective coverage area slightly larger than the area you wish to use it for.  AIRGLE Air Purifiers are widely considered the best, and most effective, air purifiers on the market today.

Ionic air cleaners are helpful, but produce ozone, which is a pollutant that irritates the lungs.  It is therefore important to look for an air purifier which does not produce ozone.  AIRGLE Air Purifiers do not produce any ozone.