Air Quality in your Home - How I Eliminate Allergens!

This is an important topic that I myself ignored for my entire life. I am fortunate to not have any seasonal allergies or allergies to animals or dust. That being said, general air quality is not something I paid any attention to. I can’t say the same for the people in my life. My Mom, Sister-in-law and best friend to name a few all suffer from cat allergies. We have 7 (I have one, my wife has 6). It is of course important to me that these people can visit freely and not worry about their allergies…I found a couple of air purifiers that i rolled the dice on and they work so well i couldn’t believe it( Shark AP1000 (1100sqft) and Shark (500sqft). Let’s talk a little about allergens to beef up our brains and then i’ll tell you how I know for sure that they serve their purpose. Don’t panic, it’s a short read.

Allergies - How they Work

Common airborne allergies are triggered by various allergens found in the environment, causing an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Key airborne allergens include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander.

In allergic individuals, the immune system mistakenly identifies these harmless substances as threats. This results in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which latch onto the allergens. The next time a person is exposed to the same allergen, these IgE antibodies signal the release of histamines and other chemicals, causing inflammation and the symptoms associated with allergies.

Pollen is released by trees, grasses, and weeds during their respective growing seasons. When inhaled, pollen can prompt the immune system to react, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Common examples include tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, and ragweed pollen in the fall.

Mold Spores

Mold can grow in damp and humid environments, both indoors and outdoors. When mold spores become airborne, they can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms include respiratory issues, skin rashes, and eye irritation. Outdoor mold is usually more prevalent in warm, damp conditions, while indoor mold thrives in basements, bathrooms, and other humid areas.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in household dust, primarily in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. They feed on organic material such as skin flakes. When dust accumulates, dust mites and their waste products can become airborne, leading to allergy symptoms including sneezing, coughing, and asthma exacerbation.

Pet Dander

Pet dander consists of tiny flakes shed by cats, dogs, and other animals, along with their saliva and urine, which can also become airborne. For those allergic to pets, exposure can trigger similar respiratory and skin reactions. Common symptoms include itching, runny nose, and skin hives.

Breathe Free!

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are designed to trap a vast majority of airborne particles, including allergens, to improve indoor air quality. These filters work based on a specific filtration process that involves several key mechanisms:

1. Mechanical Filtration: HEPA filters consist of a dense mat of fibers that capture particles as air flows through. The fibers are typically made from randomly arranged glass or synthetic materials. When air passes through the filter, larger particles are trapped by the fibers due to their size, while smaller particles are captured through a combination of diffusion and interception.

2. Diffusion: Small particles, such as pollen and pet dander, can get lodged in a confusing flow path when they collide with gas molecules in the air. This process makes their movements less predictable, increasing the likelihood that they will collide with and be captured by the fibers of the HEPA filter.

3. Interception: Particles that do not collide directly with a fiber can still be captured if they come close enough to a fiber. When airborne particles are carried by the airflow within the filter, they may come into close proximity to a fiber and adhere to it.

4. Electrostatic Attraction: Some HEPA filters utilize charged fibers that create an electrostatic attraction to airborne particles, enhancing their ability to capture dust, allergens, and other contaminants effectively.

To qualify as a true HEPA filter, a filter must be able to remove at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size from the air passing through it. This makes HEPA filters particularly effective for capturing common allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites, contributing significantly to a healthier indoor environment. Regular maintenance and replacement of filters are crucial to maintain their effectiveness.

So I bought 2 units, Shark AP1000 (1100sqft) and the smaller one is also a Shark (500sqft), and I took their efficiency for granted. Well, my father suffers from low frequency tinnitus and the low blower was bothering him because he was sitting close to the larger unit. I turned it off and within 20 minutes, Mom started getting puffy and itchy! I keep them on and nobody has a problem. It was pretty cool to see it working effectively so to speak! Hope this helps someone!