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- air conditioning
- air pollution, including atmospheric ozone
- animal saliva, urine and dander
- bacteria
- chemicals (particularly hexachlorophene, formalin, ethylene diamine)
- cockroaches
- cold air
- colds and upper respiratory tract infections
- drugs (especially aspirin, cimetidine, antibiotics, beta blockers)
- dust mites and their droppings
- exertion (especially if strenuous and in cold air)
An In-Depth Look at Air Filter Manufacturers -
Because there are several air filter manufacturers on the market, it is helpful to be able to sort through the different manufacturers and products. The brief manufacturer/product profiles below are intended to help consumers do just that.
Honeywell
Honeywell dates back to 1885, and produces thermostats, air cleaners, humidifiers, and more. They offer four types of air filters: Replacement Media filters, HEPA air cleaners, Media Air Cleaners, and Electronic air cleaners. All these filters has advanced technology and meet American Lung Association Health House guidelines. Honeywells Whole- ..
- food additives or preservatives (especially tartrazine or sulfur dioxide)
- fungal spores
- fumes (e.g., paint)
As you can see, many of these causes are found in the home. So how can we do a better job fighting asthma in our indoor environments?
Here are some tips:
- Dust frequently.
- Vacuum frequently; use a cylinder vacuum instead of an upright model. Using a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, vacuum is optimum. These vacuums are equipped with high-spec pre-filter and filter systems; they are sealed, allergen-free and designed to remove and trap allergens such as bacteria and mold-filled dust that normal vacuums cant.
- Clean carpeting and drapes regularly. Carpet is a huge hideout for asthma allergens, harboring dust mites and pet dander--the two most common triggers of childhood asthma.
- Replace carpeting with non-fibrous flooring, such as tile or hardwood, particularly in the bedroom.
- Replace feather pillows and down comforters with those containing synthetic fibers; use a plastic mattress cover.
- Wash bedding in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Alternately, you can place bedding in an airtight container for 48 hours.
Living with Asthma/AllergiesWhy Are So Many Children Getting Asthma? By Deborah Mumm Go to any grade school or high school sporting event! Take a peek at the sideline bench and note how many inhalers you see. Did you know that the number one reason children miss school is asthma? Why the explosion of asthma and respiratory problems in children? 4 Reasons Respiratory Problems are on the Rise! 1) Couch Potato Generation kids weigh more, exercise less and spend more time indoors. 2) Too much antibiotic use - Immune systems never get much opportunity to fight infections, and then react abnormally to airborne contaminants. 3) ..
- Place stuffed toys in the freezer for 24 hours or in an airtight container for 48 hours to kill dust mites.
- Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth in cold weather.
- Monitor the pollen count in spring, summer and fall; avoid open fields when pollen counts are high.
- Always keep your medication with you in case of an attack.
Using an air filter can also help prevent asthma attacks. Following are some different options:
- Use an HEPA air filter. They feature a minimum particle removal efficiency of 99.97% for all particles 0.3 microns in diameter and larger. This size covers most pollen, mold spores, animal hair and dander, dust mites, bacteria, smoke particles and dust.
- Use an air purifier. They are classified according to the technology they utilize to remove different-sized particles from the air. Certain models use a chemical process, such as ozonization, to purify the air.
- Install a large room unit air purifier. These air purifiers utilize strong filters or collecting plates; some large units use electrostatic precipitation. These purifiers are highly effective at removing pollutants, particularly smoke and dirt, from large areas. They are more effective as single room units than as fixed central air filters.
- Install air filters. The efficiency of different models is measured by the size of particles they can remove from the air. They are classified in two categories: central filtration, or induct, systems and portable units with fan attachments. Central filtration systems are installed in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Asthmatics should choose a HEPA filter that can trap very small and very large particles.
- Use a tabletop air purifier. These models are equipped with small panels of dry, loosely packed, low-density fiber filters and a high-velocity fan. Although these models are fairly inexpensive, be sure that the specifications match your requirements to remove very small particles from the air that can trigger asthma attacks.
About the Author:
Find out more about Asthma and the things we can do to battle this ailment. Learn more about asthma treatments here.
Source: http://www.isnare.com Richard DouglasReduce Indoor Allergens, Reduce Asthma Attacks
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