| 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.
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