Control of asthma triggers in indoor air with air cleaners: a modeling analysis
2008

Controlling Asthma Triggers Indoors with Air Cleaners

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Theodore A Myatt, Taeko Minegishi, Joseph G Allen, David L MacIntosh

Primary Institution: Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc.

Hypothesis

Can high efficiency in-duct air cleaners effectively reduce asthma triggers in indoor air?

Conclusion

High efficiency in-duct air cleaners significantly reduce levels of asthma triggers in indoor environments.

Supporting Evidence

  • High efficiency in-duct air cleaners can reduce cat allergen levels by 30-55%.
  • They can lower the risk of respiratory infections by 90-99%.
  • Environmental tobacco smoke levels can be reduced by 90-98%.
  • Fungal spore levels can be decreased by 50-75%.

Takeaway

Using special air cleaners in your home can help keep the air cleaner and make it easier for people with asthma to breathe.

Methodology

The study used an indoor air quality modeling system to simulate the effectiveness of different air cleaning systems in reducing asthma triggers.

Limitations

The study is based on modeling rather than direct measurements, which may affect the accuracy of the results.

Participant Demographics

Approximately 6.7% of adults and 8.5% of children in the U.S. suffer from asthma, with higher prevalence among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-069X-7-43

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