UV Air Purifiers: Providing Relief to Allergy and Asthma Sufferers from Effects of Global Warming

Global warming has been an increasingly discussedallergies. However, the small gaps that most of us
topic. Although this is a controversial issue as ithave near windows or doors allow allergens to
relates to the extent to which global warming haspenetrate into our homes making us susceptible
really increased, one thing is for sure-theto a variety of particles that can trigger allergies
occurrence of allergies and asthma has increasedor asthma. UV air purifiers utilize ultraviolet light to
making it more difficult for sufferers to cope.kill such allergen triggers as mold, fungi, mildew,
According to Reuters Health, the effect of globaldust mites, pet dander, and smoke. As these
warming has had a significant impact on asthmaairborne microorganisms (which are often unseen)
sufferers because the seasons have lengthenedpass by the ultraviolet light of a UV air purifier,
and plant life growth and weeds are scatteringtheir DNA is mutilated, causing them to be inactive
vast amounts of pollen and other related allergens.and unable to trigger allergic symptoms.
In addition, trees that do not typically flowerAdditionally, AHPCO Cell technology which is found
annually, such as beech, are growing better andin some UV air cleaners is far superior to the
may begin to grow in climates further northolder stand alone UV lamps and catalytic oxidation
where they are not typically present; thus,methods which use only one catalyst. AHPCO Cell
increasing the number of people suffering from itstechnology is the latest advanced oxidation
affects.technology that consists of a proprietary,
As the climate changes, more pollen andhigh-intensity broad spectrum UV lamp in a
smog-induced asthma is likely to surface. Dr. Paulhydrated catalytic cell. Low-level ozone is
Beggs, an environmental health scientist fromproduced in the cell, the majority of which is
Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, indicatesconverted into airborne hydro peroxides (H2O2),
that allergy-triggering pollen such as ragweed andhydroxyl ions (OH-), super oxide ions (O2-) and
birch trees are linked to increasing carbon dioxideozonide ions (O3-) via the quad-metallic catalyst.
levels in the atmosphere. Because asthma is oftenThe technological combination found in some UV
triggered by allergens, this also increases theair purifiers has been proven to emit cleansing ions
prevalence and severity of symptoms thatthat treat indoor air and eliminate harmful indoor
asthma sufferers face.air particulates.
Paul Epstein, Associate Director of the Center forUltraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the
Health and the Global Environment at Harvardprotection from harmful particulates that we all
Medical School backs up this theory as he hasface on a daily basis by destroying VOC's (volatile
concluded that the incidence of asthma in theorganic compounds). Unlike other methods that
United States has increased nearly four timessome people rely on such as vacuums and air
since 1980. Due to the extended warmer seasonspurification methods that don't utilize the power of
which produce increasing amounts of pollen andultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are
other allergen triggers, we must find a way tolimited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air
help combat and minimize the symptoms thatis cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV
may people are suffering with on a daily basis.sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of
Although decreasing greenhouse gases is possibleharmful particulates that further irritate allergen
if we minimize the burning of fossil fuel, somesufferers and the lungs of individuals afflicted with
people don't want to, or feel they are unable toasthma.
purchase a 'green' vehicle, use energy efficientWith so many benefits, UV disinfection is one of
appliances, drive less, recycle, etc. These changesthe most beneficial things a person with allergies
would dramatically minimize global warming andor asthma can do to improve his or her well-being.
provide ease to allergy and asthma sufferers.UV air purifiers are a cost-effective means of
Thankfully, we don't have to rely on peopletaking away the discomfort that comes along
making these changes-ultraviolet germicidal lightwith breathing in allergens and minimizing the
provides a solution. Because the average personeffects of asthma. And being unsurpassed in its
spends over ninety percent of his or her timenatural ability to destroy airborne microorganisms,
indoors, UV disinfection is extremely effective inultraviolet germicidal light can allow you and your
minimizing allergic and asthmatic symptoms.family the relief and comfort of breathing easily in
Many people feel that since they spend a greatyour own home.
deal of time indoors that they are not subject to