Fw: Spring Cleaning, Dust and HEPA Filters

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>NATIONAL JEWISH NEWSNET

>72nd Distribution

>

>February 7, 2000

>------------------------------

>NATIONAL JEWISH/DISEASE INFORMATION: (800) 222-LUNG

>DISEASE QUESTIONS: mailto:lungline@...

>WEB SITE: http://www.nationaljewish.org/pa

>MEDIA CONTACT: Jordan Gruener, (303) 398-1002

>

>PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DISTRIBUTE THIS INFORMATION TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

>

>

>Q: I'm preparing for spring cleaning, but I'm worried about my vacuum

>stirring up a lot of dust. Is there anything I can do to keep dust out of

>the air?

>

>A: A vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA)

>filter can be effective for people who have problems with airborne

allergens

>and irritants such as animal dander, pollen and dust. People using HEPA

>filters say they feel better and have reduced symptoms. And studies do show

>some reduction in the amount of cat and dog allergens with the use of the

>filters. However, to date, the majority of clinical studies do not prove

>conclusively that HEPA filters result in reduced medication use.

>HEPA filters attached to vacuum cleaners reduce dust by trapping small

>particles, comprised largely of dust mites, and not re-releasing " dirty "

>air. Effective HEPA filter-equipped vacuums require enough power to draw up

>all dirt and allergens, and need to be airtight to ensure that the smallest

>particles don't escape. Regular vacuums redistribute the same dust, dirt

and

>allergens sucked from carpets back into the air.

>HEPA filters also are designed as freestanding units that trap airborne

>allergens, such as pollen and animal dander. Many people with allergies

have

>a freestanding HEPA filter in the bedroom, a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum or

>both. Filters need to be changed regularly on freestanding units and

>vacuums.

>Neither filtering device, however, is a substitute for standard medical

>treatment. For pet allergies, the best defense is still reducing exposure

to

>pets, keeping the dog or cat out of specific rooms and bathing the animal

>frequently. For non-airborne allergens, such as dust mites, encase pillows

>and mattresses.

>A major airline is now experimenting with HEPA filters on flights to

protect

>passengers against airborne germs, bacteria and viruses that might

otherwise

>be recirculated. They say HEPA filters produce 99.97 percent pure air and

>create a healthier travel environment.

>For more information, call LUNG LINE*, (800) 222-LUNG, e-mail,

>lungline@... or visit our Web site, www.nationaljewish.org/pa.

>

>* Gutierrez, M.D., treats adults with asthma and other

>respiratory diseases at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in

>Denver

>

>EDITOR'S NOTE: A patient should consult his or her personal physician

before

>changing or considering any medical treatments.

>

>

>Jordan Gruener, APR

>Media Relations Manager

>National Jewish Medical and Research Center

>PH: 303-398-1002 FAX: 303-398-1125

>http://www.nationaljewish.org/pa

>gruenerj@...

>

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