 Ionizer technology comes under a range of names: "ionizing air purifiers", "bi-polar ionization", "air ionizers", "ion generators" and "ionic air purifiers". Additionally, there are air purifiers called “electrostatic air purifiers" which work similarly to ionizers. Collectively, they are termed "ionizers". Ionizers make multiple claims about how well they will clean the air in your room, kill viruses and bacteria, prevent allergy symptoms, provide “freshness,” or eliminate odors. In the past, these claims have been considered doubtful, not least because the ions have very limited range outside of the device, and have been subject to many different analyses / studies which have failed to justify those claims. Now, thanks to detailed testing by Boeing, at least one aspect of their performance is now clear, ionizers are ineffective against viruses, bacteria and mold. Boeing tested 'Needle Point Bi-Polar Ionization', as that version of the technology is licenced for aircraft, and the supplier had made strong claims of between 69% and 99% eradication of a range of airborne viruses and bacteria after 60 minutes, and also 'Corona Discharge Air Ionization'. Air Ionization Disinfection - Huntsville Laboratory Testing The airvorne norovirus surrogate MS2 Bacteriophage showed no observable reduction over a 60 minute interval. There were no observable surface reductions in Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterobacter cloacae over a 60 minute exposure duration. Air Ionization Disinfection – University of Arizona Laboratory Testing "Usually a 90% reduction is desired to be confident that a product is having any significant anti-microbial effect. Under the test conditions of this study none of the viruses achieved this level of reduction." Air Ionization Disinfection – New 787-10 Ground Testing Escherichia coli and MS2 Bacteriophage reductions in 30-60 minutes of treatment were much lower than the desired 3 log10 (99.9%) cabin disinfection, indeed they were generally < 0.1 log10 with higher values attributed to either experimental error or high levels of ozone. Boeing's Conclusions
Boeing conclude that its limited testing was unable to replicate supplier results in terms of antimicrobial effectiveness and that the systems were unable to properly deliver and maintain sufficiently high ion levels in the airplane. Similarly, laboratory-based tests did not show proper rates of disinfection, even with high ion concentrations.
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The UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) |
| Virus | Hard Surfaces (e.g. desk, door handle) | Hands | Indoor Air |
| COVID-19 (Coronavirus) | Up to 72 hours | Several hours | Up to 3 hours |
| Colds | Up to 24 hours | More than an hour | Up to 45 minutes |
| Flu | Up to 24 hours | Up to 10 minutes | Several hours |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (cold-like virus that can cause serious illness in children) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 30 minutes | Several hours |
| Parainfluenza (causes croup) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 minutes | Transmission unlikely |
As you can see, these can hang around indoors for up to 72 hours – and people can shed huge numbers of cold / flu viruses into the air which can in turn settle onto surfaces:
| Coughing Sneezing Talking / Singing Vomiting Shed by Diarrhea into the air | 3,000+ 3,000+ 1,000+ 1,000+ 20,000+ |
Nature’s outdoors remedy - Hydroxyls
However, outside, you’re much less likely to catch these viruses. That’s because Hydroxyl Radicals, which occur naturally and abundantly in the air outside, kill all human pathogens on contact, including cold and flu viruses.
Hydroxyl Radicals are commonly known as ‘Nature’s Detergent’, and we think they are pretty amazing!
However, outside, you’re much less likely to catch these viruses. That’s because Hydroxyl Radicals, which occur naturally and abundantly in the air outside, kill all human pathogens on contact, including cold and flu viruses.
Hydroxyl Radicals are commonly known as ‘Nature’s Detergent’, and we think they are pretty amazing!
Only Airora's technology creates the same remedy indoors, in both the air and on surfaces.
Learn more about hydroxyls >
Learn more about hydroxyls >
Airora product development has continually focused on safety. In June 2020, the Airora Professional PAW100/500 product passed an IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) test at the UK's Building Research Establishment (BRE) with flying colours.
The IAQ test measured the amounts of some potentially harmful substances in the ambient air (representing a typical room) before and after using Airora Professional.
Those substances were: CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), Ozone, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 particulates, Formaldehyde, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
To pass the test, the air after using the Airora device could not exceed the IAQ guidelines for safe levels for any of these pollutants.
The results demonstrated that Airora products meet IAQ standards across the board.
Moreover, the amounts of every substance measured were far smaller than the maximum safe levels.
We're delighted to be able to confirm that Airora is a people-safe technology.
For detailed results of our IAQ tests, please contact us.
We will soon be conducting efficacy testing of our new Airora products. Please follow us to stay informed.
The IAQ test measured the amounts of some potentially harmful substances in the ambient air (representing a typical room) before and after using Airora Professional.
Those substances were: CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), Ozone, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 particulates, Formaldehyde, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
To pass the test, the air after using the Airora device could not exceed the IAQ guidelines for safe levels for any of these pollutants.
The results demonstrated that Airora products meet IAQ standards across the board.
Moreover, the amounts of every substance measured were far smaller than the maximum safe levels.
We're delighted to be able to confirm that Airora is a people-safe technology.
For detailed results of our IAQ tests, please contact us.
We will soon be conducting efficacy testing of our new Airora products. Please follow us to stay informed.
15 weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists know a lot more about how the disease is transmitted.
The highest risk for public health is from crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and especially with
prolonged face-to-face interactions. In close proximity, people speaking, coughing, singing, or simply
breathing can produce respiratory droplets containing the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. These droplets
may land on the nose, mouth or eyes of another person close by.
There is also increasing consensus that some droplets may become aerosolized, and hang about in the air. One study due to be published found that SARS-CoV-2 survives aerosolization better than other coronaviruses and maintains infectivity in aerosols for at least 16 h. Strong air conditioners or fans can spread these droplets further within an enclosed space. Last week, a review article published in Science stated that 'a large proportion of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be occurring through airborne transmission of aerosols produced by asymptomatic individuals during breathing and speaking' and that therefore 'For society to resume, measures designed to reduce aerosol transmission must be implemented'.
Droplets may also land on surfaces. Although surface contamination generally has a much lower risk than
airborne particles, studies show that the virus can stay active on plastic and metal for up to 7 days. The
highest risk comes from high-contact furnishings such as door handles, toilet flushes, handrails, payment
terminals, lift/elevator buttons, and, ironically, hand sanitiser dispensers and protective screens. Flushing toilets can also 'create clouds of virus-containing particles', according to recent research published in Physics of Fluids.
Outdoors, where people can usually distance themselves from each other more effectively, the risk is
greatly reduced. Air movement helps to dilute virus-carrying droplets. Critically, hydroxyls are also
abundant in outdoor air, especially in conditions with lots of sunlight and humidity, and these powerful
molecules continually inactivate viruses in the air and on surfaces. However, indoors is where most of us
live, work, do errands like shopping, and spend a lot of our leisure time; realistically, we can’t avoid being
near other human beings, and most of us don’t want to!
Masks, distancing, increased hygiene, and other behavioural changes can all help reduce risks, and of
course medical researchers are working urgently to develop vaccines and effective treatments. However,
other long-term solutions are needed to help us get us back to, and continue to enjoy, our normal way of
life. We’re proud to have developed the world’s first products to provide 24/7 decontamination of entire
indoor spaces - air and surfaces - so people can safely get on with their lives.
More reading:
Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 - Science, 26 June 2020
How Exactly Do You Catch Covid-19? There Is a Growing Consensus - Wall Street Journal, 16 June
2020
At work, school and seeing friends: How to lower your coronavirus risk - New Scientist, 27 May 2020
The highest risk for public health is from crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and especially with
prolonged face-to-face interactions. In close proximity, people speaking, coughing, singing, or simply
breathing can produce respiratory droplets containing the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. These droplets
may land on the nose, mouth or eyes of another person close by.
There is also increasing consensus that some droplets may become aerosolized, and hang about in the air. One study due to be published found that SARS-CoV-2 survives aerosolization better than other coronaviruses and maintains infectivity in aerosols for at least 16 h. Strong air conditioners or fans can spread these droplets further within an enclosed space. Last week, a review article published in Science stated that 'a large proportion of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be occurring through airborne transmission of aerosols produced by asymptomatic individuals during breathing and speaking' and that therefore 'For society to resume, measures designed to reduce aerosol transmission must be implemented'.
Droplets may also land on surfaces. Although surface contamination generally has a much lower risk than
airborne particles, studies show that the virus can stay active on plastic and metal for up to 7 days. The
highest risk comes from high-contact furnishings such as door handles, toilet flushes, handrails, payment
terminals, lift/elevator buttons, and, ironically, hand sanitiser dispensers and protective screens. Flushing toilets can also 'create clouds of virus-containing particles', according to recent research published in Physics of Fluids.
Outdoors, where people can usually distance themselves from each other more effectively, the risk is
greatly reduced. Air movement helps to dilute virus-carrying droplets. Critically, hydroxyls are also
abundant in outdoor air, especially in conditions with lots of sunlight and humidity, and these powerful
molecules continually inactivate viruses in the air and on surfaces. However, indoors is where most of us
live, work, do errands like shopping, and spend a lot of our leisure time; realistically, we can’t avoid being
near other human beings, and most of us don’t want to!
Masks, distancing, increased hygiene, and other behavioural changes can all help reduce risks, and of
course medical researchers are working urgently to develop vaccines and effective treatments. However,
other long-term solutions are needed to help us get us back to, and continue to enjoy, our normal way of
life. We’re proud to have developed the world’s first products to provide 24/7 decontamination of entire
indoor spaces - air and surfaces - so people can safely get on with their lives.
More reading:
Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 - Science, 26 June 2020
How Exactly Do You Catch Covid-19? There Is a Growing Consensus - Wall Street Journal, 16 June
2020
At work, school and seeing friends: How to lower your coronavirus risk - New Scientist, 27 May 2020
The Airora patented technology is a Hydroxyl Cascade air and surface sanitiser capable of destroying all types of harmful bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 coronavirus.
While it is not possible at this time (for safety reasons) to test our technology directly against the COVID-19 virus, we know that Airora's technology destroys ALL types of pathogenic viruses, including those in the coronavirus family (which includes the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19), in the air and on surfaces.
This is demonstrated by the testing carried out by Public Health England's microbiologists at Porton Down using MS2 Coliphage virus as a surrogate. In every test, our process quickly rendered MS2 Coliphage inactive in the air and on surfaces.
The microbiologists at Porton Down use MS2 Coliphage as a gold-standard surrogate for pathogens because it is exceedingly difficult to inactivate. If you can use a process to inactivate MS2 Coliphage then that process would be expected to inactivate all types of pathogenic virus and bacteria. Like all coronaviruses, MS2 is a positive sense single-stranded RNA virus and studies have shown that it is 7 to 10 times more resistant to denaturation (i.e. harder to inactivate) than a coronavirus. In the Porton Down tests, our technology was demonstrated to kill 99.9999% of MS2 Coliphage in an 18-cubic-metre testing chamber in less than 5 minutes.
Airora creates a 'Hydroxyl Cascade' which is well known to destroy all human pathogens, both viruses and bacteria. Our technology has been demonstrated in multiple leading independent testing facilities to quickly, efficiently and safely destroy human pathogens, both viruses and bacteria, in the air and on surfaces.
Hydroxyl Radicals, often called 'nature's detergent', are lethal to both pathogenic viruses and bacteria (gram –ve & +ve), for example MRSA, C. difficile, Salmonella, Norovirus, cold and flu viruses, and coronaviruses. NASA even deployed hydroxyl air purification against Anthrax.
As well as destroying airborne pathogens, hydroxyl radicals strip them, layer by layer, from smooth exposed surfaces.
Hydroxyls kill bacteria, viruses and mould spores by reacting with the lipids and proteins in their thin, delicate cell wall causing lysis (breaking down of cell membranes). Pathogenic viruses suffer from oxidation of their surface structures; when hydroxyls react with viruses, they disrupt the lipid envelope and/or capsid (protein shell) around the virus and inactivate the protein used to enter human cells. Hydroxyl radicals also penetrate the interior of the virus and disrupt the genome (RNA content). These reactions inactivate the virus, rendering it completely harmless and unable to infect humans and animals.
Other safety and efficacy tests of Airora technology have been successfully performed in labs as well as real world settings (a coffee shop, care home, and cinema), by institutions such as the UK Building Research Establishment (BRE), the University of Ottowa, and the FDA Laboratory in Rochester, NY.
View detailed testing data: Testing and Verification of Airora’s Patented Technology.
Learn more about how Airora destroys different types of pollution, including viruses: The Chemistry of Hydroxyl Radical Air Cleaning.
Read an example of hydroxyls inactivating human coronaviruses.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic#/media/File:SARS-CoV-2_49534865371.jpg
While it is not possible at this time (for safety reasons) to test our technology directly against the COVID-19 virus, we know that Airora's technology destroys ALL types of pathogenic viruses, including those in the coronavirus family (which includes the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19), in the air and on surfaces.
This is demonstrated by the testing carried out by Public Health England's microbiologists at Porton Down using MS2 Coliphage virus as a surrogate. In every test, our process quickly rendered MS2 Coliphage inactive in the air and on surfaces.
The microbiologists at Porton Down use MS2 Coliphage as a gold-standard surrogate for pathogens because it is exceedingly difficult to inactivate. If you can use a process to inactivate MS2 Coliphage then that process would be expected to inactivate all types of pathogenic virus and bacteria. Like all coronaviruses, MS2 is a positive sense single-stranded RNA virus and studies have shown that it is 7 to 10 times more resistant to denaturation (i.e. harder to inactivate) than a coronavirus. In the Porton Down tests, our technology was demonstrated to kill 99.9999% of MS2 Coliphage in an 18-cubic-metre testing chamber in less than 5 minutes.
Airora creates a 'Hydroxyl Cascade' which is well known to destroy all human pathogens, both viruses and bacteria. Our technology has been demonstrated in multiple leading independent testing facilities to quickly, efficiently and safely destroy human pathogens, both viruses and bacteria, in the air and on surfaces.
Hydroxyl Radicals, often called 'nature's detergent', are lethal to both pathogenic viruses and bacteria (gram –ve & +ve), for example MRSA, C. difficile, Salmonella, Norovirus, cold and flu viruses, and coronaviruses. NASA even deployed hydroxyl air purification against Anthrax.
As well as destroying airborne pathogens, hydroxyl radicals strip them, layer by layer, from smooth exposed surfaces.
Hydroxyls kill bacteria, viruses and mould spores by reacting with the lipids and proteins in their thin, delicate cell wall causing lysis (breaking down of cell membranes). Pathogenic viruses suffer from oxidation of their surface structures; when hydroxyls react with viruses, they disrupt the lipid envelope and/or capsid (protein shell) around the virus and inactivate the protein used to enter human cells. Hydroxyl radicals also penetrate the interior of the virus and disrupt the genome (RNA content). These reactions inactivate the virus, rendering it completely harmless and unable to infect humans and animals.
Other safety and efficacy tests of Airora technology have been successfully performed in labs as well as real world settings (a coffee shop, care home, and cinema), by institutions such as the UK Building Research Establishment (BRE), the University of Ottowa, and the FDA Laboratory in Rochester, NY.
View detailed testing data: Testing and Verification of Airora’s Patented Technology.
Learn more about how Airora destroys different types of pollution, including viruses: The Chemistry of Hydroxyl Radical Air Cleaning.
Read an example of hydroxyls inactivating human coronaviruses.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic#/media/File:SARS-CoV-2_49534865371.jpg
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that our indoor air is nearly 5x more polluted than outdoor air. Some homes may even have 100x more pollution.
Here are thirteen common sources of indoor air pollution:
1. Chlorine bleach
- Chlorine by-products like chloramines and trihalomethanes are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter from humans and pets like skin, hair, and bacteria.
- Inhaling these chemicals can irritate and cause damages to the respiratory system.
2. Household cleaning chemicals, paints and solvents
- These products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- VOCs can trigger ‘sick building syndrome’ symptoms such as headaches, skin and throat irritation when people are exposed to them on a regular basis.
3. Synthetic fragrances, perfumes and deodorizers
- Substances used in fragrances, perfumes and deodorizers are largely unregulated.
- Some of the highly volatile and semi-volatile chemicals used have been found to be toxic, and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, central nervous system disorders, reproductive disorders, birth defects, and cancer.
4. Dry cleaned clothes
- These usually contain trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene -- highly toxic substances that are known to cause cancer.
5. Tobacco smoke
- Second hand smoke contains 200 known poisons and 43 carcinogens.
6. Biological pollutants
- Mould, bacteria, viruses, pollen, and dust mites can cause diseases, trigger hay fever or induce asthma in adults and children.
7. Pet dander
- Hairs, saliva and skin flakes from animals can also be sources of respiratory irritants.
8. Carpets and upholstery
- Home soft furnishings often use formaldehyde as permanent adhesive - a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell.
- Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
9. Building and decorating materials
- Volatile organic gases are released by materials, such as paint, lacquer, glue and plywood.
- Toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can be emitted by building materials years after installation.
10. Candles
- A study done by the South Carolina State University in the U.S. found that candles made of paraffin wax release toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene that can quickly build up to unhealthy level in enclosed areas.
- During combustion, all candles release some carbon particles (soot) that become airborne and can lead to respiratory problems, even penetrating your bloodstream through your lungs.
11. Office and craft materials
- Minute particles and gases from copiers, laser printers, correction fluid, graphics and craft materials can also be a source of ultra-fine particles and VOCs that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream.
12. Combustion pollutants
- These are gases or particles that are emitted by unvented or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances such as a fireplace, heater, wood or gas stove, water heater and dryer.
- Some of the hazardous gases that may be produced include nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
13. External pollution
- Pollution from vehicle exhausts and industry can enter a building from outside, especially in built-up areas.
Can Air Purifiers Help?
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While you can and should take steps to reduce many of these pollutants in the home, you can also employ the latest technology to reduce those which remain. While traditional air purifiers have little effect (find out why here), the latest air purification technology from Airora really can improve the air quality in your home or office.
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In a typical home, inside air leaks out and outside air leaks in - typically resulting in new air from the outside replacing the existing air inside every hour or so.
This is not a design fault; without a substantial amount of air circulating between the outside and inside, our homes can become “sick” - with condensation and mould damaging the walls and fabric of our houses, aggravating allergies, and complicating respiratory diseases brought on by certain biological agents such as mites and mildew.
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This then is the conundrum; we need air to circulate from outside to inside, but in areas with substantial external pollution that circulation continuously brings harmful outside pollution into our homes.
Outside vs Inside
Outside, Nature wages a powerful war of attrition against atmospheric pollution.
Wind disperses pollution, diluting its local effects. Natural chemical and photochemical interactions create an abundance of ‘hydroxyl radicals’ (called ‘Nature’s Detergent’ by scientists) which attack and neutralise a wide range of pollutants, and rain and snow wash pollution and its by-products out of the air.
Of course, in the urban environment, pollution can build up where it is created more quickly than nature can remove it.
Inside, the natural conditions which create hydroxyls are absent, and pollution, well, it hangs around for us to breathe it in!
What does the pollution consist of?
Before deciding on an effective strategy for reducing pollution leaking in from outside, it is necessary we understand the scope and nature of the pollution we are attempting to neutralise.
Historically, the main air pollution problem in both developed and rapidly industrialising countries has typically been high levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide emitted following the combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels such as coal, used for domestic and industrial purposes.
These days, the major threat to clean air is now posed by traffic emissions. Petrol and diesel powered vehicles emit a wide variety of harmful pollutants, principally carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5). Additionally, the photochemical reactions resulting from the action of sunlight on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and VOCs create ozone.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
CO (carbon monoxide) is a dangerous, colourless gas which reduces your blood’s ability to carry oxygen and can make you ill.
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution recently reviewed the evidence for the adverse health effects of NOx and concluded that:
- Short-term exposure to NO2 likely causes respiratory ill health, may cause an increase in hospital admissions for heart problems, and may cause an increase in overall mortality.
- Long-term exposure to NO2 may cause an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, children's respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which can have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
Ozone (O3)
Ozone can trigger asthma attacks and cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, and throat and lung irritation, even in healthy adults.
Particulates (PM2.5)
Particulate matter, also called PM or soot, consists of microscopically small solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.
PM2.5 refers to what are termed “fine particles” of below 2.5 microns in diameter. The smaller the particles, the deeper they can penetrate the respiratory system and the more hazardous they are to breathe.
Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particulate matter of nanoscale size (less than 0.1 microns in diameter). UFPs are the main constituent of airborne particulate matter. Owing to their numerous quantity and ability to penetrate deep within the lung, UFPs are a major concern for respiratory exposure and health
PM pollution can cause lung irritation, aggravates the severity of chronic lung diseases, causes inflammation of lung tissue, causes changes in blood chemistry and can increase susceptibility to viral and bacterial pathogens.
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The challenge is to remove or neutralise these pollutants more quickly than new ones enter the room!
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Step 1 - Reduce air leakage
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The first step that we can take to improve matters is to reduce the quantity of pollution coming inside.
To do that really well we would have to start from scratch and build homes according to a whole new set of rules, such as the ‘Passivhaus’ standards which employ mechanical ventilation to clean the incoming air in a controlled manner.
For most of us, that is impractical (and unaffordable!), but we can (if it hasn’t already been done) do a lot to improve the situation by using the well understood techniques for sealing and ventilating that were developed to save energy.
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Typical Sources of Air Leakage
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Click here for a good basic guide on what can be done to both save energy (and money!) and reduce air leakage.
Simply reducing leakage won’t solve the pollution problem (reducing leakage by, say, 50%, won’t really help in pollution terms; the air inside will still be as polluted as the air outside), but the lower the leakage rate, the more effective the use of air cleaning technology will be.
Think about it this way: Sit an air cleaner, however effective, next to an open window, and it will be overwhelmed by new pollution to the point where it will have no effect. For an air cleaner to be effective, you have firstly to slow the flow of new air into a room to give it time to work.
So, reducing leakage is only the first step in mitigating the pollution problem. The second step is using an air cleaner that really works!
Step 2 – Remove or neutralise internal pollution
Having reduced air leakage, let’s look at our options for removing or neutralising polluting gasses and particulates before we breathe them in:
Can filters reliably remove or neutralise all of CO, NOx, VOCs and O3?
X No! CO, NOx, VOCs and O3 are gasses that cannot be filtered out by HEPA, Ionising (Ionic) or Electrostatic (Electronic) filters, which are all designed to filter out particulates, not gasses.
What about activated carbon filters?
These are sometimes suggested to remove these gasses from the air and can be implemented either as stand-alone filters or in combination with a HEPA filter to capture the larger particulates.
There are many problems with using this type of filter to address outside air pollution:
- Budget versions (and sometimes expensive ones!) may have only a thin layer of carbon, which makes them ineffective.
- The speed of the air through the filter is often too high (so as to achieve a high air flow rating), giving the carbon too little time to be effective.
- The filter becomes ‘saturated’ and ineffective without the user being able to tell that is the case – and users cannot rely on the manufacturer’s ‘average’ replacement times in areas of high pollution.
- According to the EPA, gas-phase filters, like activated carbon, cannot readily remove carbon monoxide from the air.
- Filter replacements, which are typically expensive, need to be frequent to ensure they don’t become saturated.
- O3 chemically alters the carbon, reducing its efficiency, and requiring even more frequent filter changes.
X So, all in all, activated carbon filters are not effective as a solution for removing gaseous pollutants.
OK, how about HEPA filters?
The ‘gold standard’ for particulate filters is the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Filters meeting the HEPA standard remove 99.97% of particles that have a size 0.3 microns or larger from the air passing through them.
However, 90% of particulates in the air, including the most harmful ones, are smaller than that, so most HEPA air purifiers only catch a fraction of all particulates, and none of the potentially most harmful ones.
X Hepa Filters will only remove 10% of the particulates.
X Hepa Filters will only remove 10% of the particulates.
So, filters simply aren't effective at removing industrial and traffic pollution?
Correct. And air filters don't work well in the real world anyway! Not only are there no suitable and affordable filters for the purposes we require, the unfortunate fact is that portable air filtration devices, of whatever type, are not very effective at treating any kind of pollution.
All portable air filters share the same fundamental shortcoming; even if they do filter the air passing through them effectively, they only clean that limited amount of air that passes directly through them, not all of the air in the room. You can find out more here.
Then along came Airora…
Let us return to where we started, outdoors.
Outside, Nature wages a powerful and successful war of attrition against atmospheric pollution by employing natural chemical and photochemical interactions to create an abundance of ‘hydroxyl radicals’ (known as ‘Nature’s Detergent’ by scientists) which attack and neutralise a wide range of pollutants.
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But hydroxyls are only created naturally outside.
Airora is the only technology that can create that same safe and effective Hydroxyl Cascade inside your home, destroying or neutralising all the key types of gaseous pollutant (CO, NOx, VOCs and O3) and, over time, vaporising key harmful ultra-fine particulates.
Airora is not a filter. The air to be cleaned does not have to pass through the device; instead, hydroxyls spread throughout the air in a room in seconds by molecular diffusion, reacting with and destroying pollution as they go.
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Find out more about how Airora breaks down harmful gasses and vaporises key ultra-fine particulates that are too small to be trapped by HEPA filters here.
Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen or spores. Allergic rhinitis is a condition where an allergen (something that causes an allergic reaction) makes the inside of your nose inflamed (swollen).
Hay fever usually occurs in spring and summer, when there is more pollen in the air. Trees, grass and plants release pollen as part of their reproductive process. Mould and fungi also release tiny reproductive particles, called spores.
People with hay fever can experience their symptoms at different times of the year, depending on which pollens or spores they are allergic to.
Symptoms
Hay fever symptoms vary in severity and your symptoms may be worse some years than others, depending on the weather conditions and the pollen count (see below). Your symptoms may start at different times of the year depending on which types of pollen you are allergic to.
The symptoms of hay fever include:
The symptoms of hay fever include:
- frequent sneezing
- runny or blocked nose
- itchy, red or watery eyes (also known as allergic conjunctivitis)
- an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
Less commonly, you may experience:
- the loss of your sense of smell
- facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
- sweats
- headaches
Hay fever is an allergic reaction
Hay fever symptoms are caused by protein molecules in pollen grains. The immune system ‘over-reacts’ to these allergens, which it manifests in the form of an allergic reaction. Immune molecules known as Immunoglobulin E are produced and these cause the release of the inflammatory chemical called histamine from mast cells (a type of immune cell).
It is histamine that produces the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
A non-allergic person’s immune system will not produce this reaction on exposure to allergens in pollen.
Hay fever and everyday life
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Hay fever is not considered a medically serious allergy, unlike peanut allergy or asthma which can cause potentially fatal attacks. The main impact hay fever has on everyday life is upon the general quality of life. Common effects are:
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Research shows that students’ academic performance may be affected during exams, given that the exam season usually coincides with the height of the pollen season.
How common is hay fever?
Hay fever is a relatively new disease, first described in 1819. It took nine years to accumulate enough hay fever cases to present a paper on this new condition to a medical journal. Now hay fever is much more common, particularly in the UK, which has more cases than anywhere else in the world (followed closely by Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada). Hay fever:
- is the most common allergic disease
- affects 10-25% of adults in the UK
- affects 10% of children (aged six-seven) and 15% of those (aged 13-14)
- is now being seen in children as young as three and four years old
Hay fever and asthma
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever. Sometimes, asthma symptoms only occur when you have hay fever. These symptoms include:
- tight chest
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- wheezing
Pollen count
Hay fever symptoms are likely to be worse if the pollen count is high. The pollen count is the number of grains of pollen in one cubic metre of air.
Air samples are collected in traps set on buildings two or three storeys high. Taking samples from this height gives a better indication of the pollen in the air from both local and distant sources. Traps on the ground would only collect pollen from nearby trees and plants.
The air is sucked into the trap and the grains of pollen are collected on either sticky tape or microscope slides (glass plates). The pollen is then counted. Samples are usually taken every two hours, and the results are averaged for a 24-hour period.
The pollen forecast is usually given as:
- low: fewer than 30 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
- moderate: 30-49 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
- high: 50-149 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
- very high:150 or more grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
Hay fever symptoms usually begin when the pollen count is over 50. The pollen count is usually given as part of the weather forecast during the spring and summer months.
Which pollens are you allergic to?
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Most people with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen. However, trees, mould spores and weeds can also cause hay fever. Research suggests that pollution, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust fumes, can make allergies worse.
There are around 30 types of pollen and 20 types of spore that could cause your hay fever. The pollen that causes hay fever could come from:
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- grass: The majority of people in Ireland with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen,
- trees: such as birch, oak, ash and cedar, or
- weeds: such as mugwort and ragweed
Spores that cause hay fever can come from:
- fungi, such as wild mushrooms, and
- mould, for example from compost heaps
When is there most pollen?
Different trees and plants produce their pollen at different times of the year.
Depending on which pollen you are allergic to, you may experience your hay fever symptoms at different times. In the UK:
- From January to April, pollens from trees are the most common cause of hay fever.
- From May to August, pollens from grass are the most common cause of hay fever.
- During the autumn, hay fever may be caused by weeds such as nettles and docks, late flowering plants, and mould and fungal spores.
The effect of the weather
The amount of sunshine, rain or wind affects how much pollen plants release and how much the pollen is spread around. On humid and windy days, pollen spreads easily. On rainy days, pollen may be cleared from the air, causing pollen levels to fall
During their pollen season, plants release pollen early in the morning. As the day gets warmer and more flowers open, pollen levels rise. On sunny days, the pollen count is highest in the early evening.
Confusing hay fever with other conditions
A person who appears to be suffering hay fever symptoms may be suffering from:
- Perennial rhinitis: In perennial rhinitis, some other allergen, like house dust mite, is involved (symptoms are present all year round but, for some reason, seem worse in the pollen season). To learn more about rhinitis, visit our Rhinitis Information page.
- Sinusitis: This is inflammation of the sinus cavities, which are empty spaces within the skull, behind the nose. Sinusitis may be caused by allergy, but it may also be caused by benign growths in the nose called polyps. Acute sinusitis can also result from bacterial infection.
Alleviating hay fever
It is very difficult to completely avoid pollen or spores. However, reducing your exposure to the substances that trigger your hay fever should ease the severity of your symptoms. Follow the advice below to avoid being exposed to excessive amounts of pollen and spores.
When outside:
- avoid cutting grass, playing or walking in grassy areas, and camping
- wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes when you are outdoors
- change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body
- try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- keep car windows closed - you can buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car (which will need to be changed every time the car is serviced)
When indoors:
- keep windows and doors shut in the house - if it gets too warm, draw the curtains to keep out the sun and keep the temperature down
- do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
- vacuum regularly, ideally using a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
- don't bring pollen indoors – during hay fever season try to change your clothes on arriving home and wash or rinse your hair
- dry laundry indoors to prevent them collecting pollen from outside
- damp dust regularly.
- Using an air cleaner may help, but it depends on the type of air cleaner (see below)
- keep pets out of the house during the hay fever season - if your pet does come indoors, wash it regularly to remove any pollen from its fur
- do not smoke or let other people smoke in your house - smoking and breathing in other people's smoke will irritate the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways, and can make your symptoms worse.
Finally, check the pollen count regularly to know when your efforts need to be more concentrated.
Can an air cleaner help?
While numerous manufacturers of ‘air cleaners’ / ‘air filters’ claim to be able to clear pollen from the air, they can only reduce, not eliminate, the problem, because:
- they can only clean the air that passes through them, and stratification, eddies and more means that some air in the room never passes through the filter
- they don’t clean surfaces at all and it only takes a small disturbance to put settled pollen back into the air
Pets produce dander (microscopic skin flakes that they shed), and the protein in it can cause severe allergic reactions for some people.
Pet dander is a little like dandruff flakes, only smaller; at around 2-3 microns in size it easily becomes airborne and can be inhaled.
Dander can cause allergic reactions for a long period and may persist for many months after the pet has left the house.
Pet Allergens
The origin of the allergens is in the pet’s urine, sweat and saliva. These excretions adhere to their skin, for example when they clean themselves, and become of the dander they shed.
Cat dander is the most commonly inhaled allergen after house dust mite and pollen. Other types of pet, such as dogs, mice and guinea pigs, may similarly cause allergic reactions.
Because they are so light, pet allergens are widely distributed in the air, remaining airborne for several hours before settling, only to be easily stirred up into the air again.
Clearly, the best way of avoiding pet dander is to not have a pet! However, many of us love our pets too much to do without them! In that case, there are various measures you can take to reduce your exposure, including controlling the pet’s access to certain rooms, and using an effective air purifier to neutralise the dander.
Pet allergies and your health
Pet allergies are known to play a role in:
- Asthma - around 40% of people with asthma are sensitive to cat allergen.
- Atopic dermatitis - characterised by a skin rash.
- Conjunctivitis - an inflammation of the linings of the eyelids.
- Rhinitis - a runny nose and sneezing.
People with a tendency to allergy (known as atopy), should avoid owning pets if possible. Unfortunately, some people who don’t initially exhibit allergic reactions, can nevertheless develop symptoms after continued exposure.
Why pet dander causes an allergic reaction
Allergens usually enter the respiratory system through the nose. Mast cells in the airways release mediators, which trigger the allergy attack. This attack is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to the invading allergens that have bonded with antibodies. Mast cells are one of the human body’s principal defences against allergens and are found in connective tissue and mucous membranes. One of its biological functions is innate immunity including involvement in host defence mechanisms against parasitic infestations, tissue repair, etc.
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Mast cells contain pockets of granules rich in histamine and heparin that cause allergy if triggered by invading allergens. In allergy sufferers Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies present on the surface of mast cells trigger the release of histamine when allergens stick to these IgE antibodies.
It is the histamine which causes the allergic symptoms like swelling, redness, watery eyes, coughs and sneezing and also why the main drugs for allergy are called anti-histamines.
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Pet dander is very ‘sticky’ and can stay in your hair, clothes and other belongings for long periods of time. This is why you can still suffer symptoms when you are away from the pet causing those symptoms.
The major cat related allergens are found in the cat’s sweat and saliva and the major dog related allergen is found in its saliva.
What animals cause allergy problems?
A wide range of animals can cause allergic reactions including cats, dogs, birds, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, parrots and hamsters.
Male cats shed more allergen than females, and cats shed more allergen than dogs. Horses produce very powerful allergens and old mattresses stuffed with horsehair can produce symptoms. Snakes, lizards and other reptiles, and even insects, may shed dander-like skin particles into the air.
Perhaps the best pets for a pet allergy sufferer are fish, as they are not associated with allergy!
What about hypoallergenic dogs?
Miniature Bull Terrier
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It is thought that all dog species produce similar amounts of allergen in their secretions.
Nevertheless, there are dozens of dog breeds that are said to be ‘hypoallergenic’. Generally, dogs said to be hypoallergenic are either hairless or have short coats and thus thought not shed as much as other dogs.
However, a recent research study looked at the amount of allergen shed by different dog species and found that so-called hypoallergenic dogs do not shed significantly less allergen than other breeds.
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Avoiding pet allergens
Before turning to technological or other solutions, careful allergen avoidance / environmental allergen control is important. For example:
- Do not let your pet roam the entire house, as it will shed allergen-containing dander wherever it goes, and that dander persists for months, both in the air and on the surfaces it sticks to.
- Never allow your pet to enter the bedroom of an allergic person. The worst thing you can do is to allow the animal onto the bed itself.
- If practicable, confine your pet to an outdoors dry and comfortable shelter, or to just one well-ventilated room. This gives the person who suffers with the allergy the best chance of controlling their symptoms. If your pet is to be allowed controlled access to the house, the kitchen, with its lack of soft furnishings, is a good choice.
- If possible, and if you spot it in time, put a cat outdoors as soon as it starts washing itself because this is when allergen starts to spread.
- Reduce dander spreading by washing your pet regularly with an allergen shedding control shampoo, such as PET+, which claims to reduce allergen load by more than 85%.
- Cuddling your pet is part of the fun of ownership, and it is therapeutic for both of you, but be sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards, otherwise you will in turn quickly spread any dander on your hands to surfaces and the surrounding air. Similarly, don’t touch your face if your hands have dander on them as it will quickly reach your eyes and lungs.
- If your dog has hair that moults, ask someone to brush its coat regularly outside to remove excess hair and prevent it moulting in the house.
- Your carpets, curtains and soft furnishings become a reservoir of pet dander wherever your pet has been. So be sure to vacuum regularly with a vacuum that collects dander efficiently and doesn’t leak it back into the atmosphere, and damp dust daily (rather than using a dry duster).
- If practical, consider reducing soft furnishings and carpets.
And don't forget - Are you sure pet allergen is really the cause of your allergy? It could be that house dust mite, mould or pollen is the real culprit. An allergy specialist will be able to offer an allergy test to pinpoint the true allergen.
Can an air cleaner help?
While numerous manufacturers of ‘air cleaners’ / ‘air filters’ claim to be able to clear pet dander from the air, they can only reduce, not eliminate, the problem, because:
- they can only clean the air that passes through them, and some air in the room never passes through the filter
- they don’t clean surfaces at all and it only takes a small disturbance to put settled dander back into the air
Author
Dr Wyatt blogs on his lifetime's experience of Indoor Air Quality Issues.
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