GOOD HEALTH, CLEAN AIR AND YOU
By Dr. James Sublett, MD
Director-Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Pediatrics
University of Louisville School of Medicine Preventive Health

Preventive Health.
They are becoming two of the most used words in discussions about health care.

Preventive health comes in many forms. A better diet. More regular exercise. An end to smoking. In short, a change in lifestyle that leads to a healthier life.

For the millions of people who suffer from allergies and asthma, a change in the environment, such as improving indoor air quality, is another preventive step that can improve your health. Improved air filters, better ventilation and central vacuum systems are just some of the ways to make a positive change to indoor air quality.

Overview
When it comes to air pollution, factory smokestacks and automobile exhausts might first come to mind. But indoor air quality is one of today’s growing environmental concerns. In fact, air pollution indoors can be up to five times greater than outdoors.

A number of factors are contributing to the rise in indoor air pollution. Some are apparent, such as the use of certain paints, cleaning products and pesticides. Others, while well-intentioned, have also contributed to the rise in indoor air pollution, including more tightly sealed homes, reduced building ventilation, and the use of more synthetic building materials. Last, but not least, indoor air quality also suffers when contaminants, such as allergens, get inside and are not effectively removed.

This issue matters to everyone. It is estimated that the typical person will spend 600,000 hours of their life indoors. That’s more than 68 years out of the average life!

But for the more than 50 million Americans who have allergies and 20 million who suffer from asthma, indoor air pollution is especially troubling. Household dust, dust mites and their leavings are among the leading triggers of allergic rhinitis, the most common respiratory allergy. Fortunately, preventive steps can be taken to control allergens in the home and create a healthier living environment.

Indoor Air Quality Matters
I tell patients that allergy management should be looked at as a three-legged stool, which consists of:

1. Medications
2. Allergy shots, for selected patients
3. Environmental control of allergens

The third leg, in my opinion, is most important. Fortunately, there are many ways to make this leg of the stool a strong one. I emphasize three steps:

1. Create a hostile environment for allergens
2. Capture and remove allergens from indoor surfaces
3. Capture and remove allergens from the air.

The most effective ways to create a hostile environment for allergens include humidity control, adequate ventilation and installing allergen-resistant coverings on bedding. Dust mites and mold multiply in humid environments, but can’t survive dry climates. That’s why few people suffer from dust allergies in the Southwest U.S. Assuring adequate fresh air in the home and maintaining relative humidity at 40 percent or lower will limit dust mite populations in the home. Also, covering mattresses and minimizing heavily stuffed upholstered furniture, especially in bedrooms, will result in fewer dust mites and their leavings.

Deep Cleaning Makes a Difference
One of the tools mentioned above in the fight against indoor air pollution is a central vacuum system. But, can a built-in vacuum actually improve a person’s health? It has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms in allergy sufferers.

A study of allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever) patients by the University of California-Davis School of Medicine found those who used a central vacuum system instead of a conventional vacuum experienced the following:

1. 44% improvement in sleep-related symptoms
2. 47% improvement in nasal symptoms
3. 48% improvement in non-nasal symptoms
4. 61% improvement in both emotional- and eye symptoms when participants used a central vacuum system
5. 52% reduction in practical problems
6. 46% stated they experienced less impact on normal work or leisure activity

The UC-Davis study used central vacuum systems manufactured by Beam Industries.

Since the UC-Davis study was published, the American Lung Association now requires central vacuum systems for carpeted homes to meet its Health House standards.

A Little Dust Means a Lot
Why does removing a little extra dust and dirt from the home matter? Because, when it comes to dust, a little can mean a lot. Household dust mites are the leading trigger of allergic rhinitis. As many as 19,000 dust mites can live in one single gram of dust. The fewer dust mites, the better the patient feels

Looking back at the earlier example of central vacuum systems, they do a better job of keeping the air free from dirt and dust for three key reasons:

• Removing captured dirt to a canister that is outside of the living area of a home, unlike conventional vacuum cleaners.
• Using motors up to five times more powerful than conventional vacuum cleaners, thereby capturing more dust and allergens.
• The absence of blown air in the room, preventing the stirring up of dust.

In fact, independent testing found that central vacuum systems are much more reliable at maintaining their dirt removal capabilities over time compared to conventional vacuums. That same study found that central vacuum systems, on average, emit less dust particles while cleaning and maintain their emission control after repeated use.

Good Air Filtration is a Must
The use of air filters is another key step in creating and maintaining a healthier home environment. Good air filtration should have several goals, including:

• Achieving a level of indoor air cleanliness (by removing allergens and particulates) that meets the comfort levels of the occupants
• Protecting the decor by removing staining components of airborne dust
• Eliminating fire hazards by removing lint and other combustibles from forced air ductwork
• Protecting mechanical parts of ventilation systems. There are a variety of air filter types. A disposable, high-efficiency, pleated-surface filter with at least a MERV 12 rating is a simple and affordable way to immediately improve indoor air quality.

Conclusion
While indoor air pollution is a growing problem, it’s not too late to make a significant change for the better. Improving the air filtration, ventilation and cleaning within a home are major parts of the solution.

For the millions of Americans with allergies and asthma, these preventive steps will make a positive difference in their health and well-being.

© AllergyZone 2006