Allergies and Air Quality
Overview
Affecting up to 40 percent of people worldwide, allergic rhinitis is a condition where the sufferer experiences an allergic reaction to an otherwise harmless substance called an allergen. The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Itchy/ Watery Eyes
- Stuffy/ Itchy Nose
- Coughing
- Sore/ Scratchy Throat
- Dark Circles Under Eyes
- Frequent Headaches
- Skin Issues such as Eczema
- Hives
- Fatigue
After exposure to an allergen, the body releases the chemical histamine, causing one or more of the above symptoms. Some people only experience allergies seasonally. Others battle the condition all year long. The most common allergens include:
- Tree/ Grass/ Flower Pollen
- Dust Mites
- Animal Dander
- Cat Saliva
- Mold
While not considered a serious disease, allergies can have a devastating impact on the quality of life for the sufferer. Chronic symptoms can negatively impact cognitive function in children and result in reduced productivity for workers. Patients with allergic rhinitis have three times greater chance of developing asthma, a far more devastating condition affecting the lungs. Wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness are all common symptoms of asthma.
How Air Quality Affects Allergies
In recent years, scientists have recognized the strong link between allergies and air pollution. While they have known for some time that indoor air pollutants can aggravate or trigger symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers, they now understand that poor air quality can actually cause these conditions in many cases.
Indoor air is often contaminated with allergens and other particles. Some of these, like pollen, come from the outdoors and become trapped inside, polluting indoor air. Others originate from indoor activities such as cooking and cleaning.
Solutions for Allergies
To reduce the incidence of allergies and asthma, addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) is a must. A good quality air purifier with HEPA filtration helps to reduce indoor air pollution and mitigate allergy symptoms.
AF 400M
HEPA Air Purifier
A portable air purifier for localized chemical, odor and particle removal. 300 nominal CFM.
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AF 400
HEPA Air Purifier
Compact and powerful, the AF400 is ideal for localized chemical, odor and particle removal. 300 nominal CFM.
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AF 1000
HEPA Air Purifier
Enhanced protection against airborne pollutants including chemicals, gases, odors and particles. 600 nominal CFM.
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AF 2000
HEPA Air Purifier
Designed to handle high concentrations of chemicals, gases, odors, particles and biological contaminants. 1000 nominal CFM.
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