Healthy Habits: Allergies and AirFree

Spring is here and along with the blooming flowers comes allergy season.  Many are already dealing with side effects like itchy eyes, runny nose and constant sneezing.  One of the main allergens to blame right now is mold.  With the amount of snow we had this year there is a lot more moisture in the air which gets caught up in homes and turns into mold spores.  This can trigger allergies for millions even for those who typically do not have them. Many think that by just shutting the doors and windows they will be able to escape the invisible mold spores that are in the air all around us, but the truth is the only way to rid the air of it is to sterilize the air. One of the best things allergy sufferers can do is to purchase an air purifier, however, most do not realize that products with air filters capture the mold spores and causes growth on the filter.

I recently had the opportunity to interview the team from Air Free Air Purifiers.
AirFree Air Purifier is an air purifier that sterilizes the air without the use of a filter and allows air to flow in and out while killing airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites and mold. By using heat to destroy airborne allergens, AirFree sucks in microbiological antigens and kills them through heat.  AirFree is highly effective and has won many awards for its efficiency.  It is a patented technology that requires no maintenance and is completely silent.  

What factors contribute to a stronger allergy season?

Allergies can be triggered throughout the year , depending on what type of allergen a person is exposed , its quantity and sensitivity of each individual. However, in some seasons , allergies for some people may get worse. During the spring , sensitive individuals can have a significant increase in allergy symptoms due to pollen exposure .

What sets AirFree apart from other products to filter the air?

Airfree uses just heat  in its  exclusive TSS ™ technology to destroy microorganisms and allergens independent of their size and inactivates ozone. It has been tested by independent laboratories around the world, it is maintenance free, it doesn´t release any harmful type of  material or by product in the air and it is a low cost energy technology, so the costumer saves time and money.  Just place Airfree on the floor, plug it into the outlet and start breathing a clean air. 

The vast majority of air purifiers in the market rely on capturing particles requiring thick multi-layer filters. The thickest the filter and the most resistant to air passage the better it will be the chance to captures tiny particles like the PM 2.5 so famous in China.

 

In order to force air through those filters heavy duty fans/ turbines are required making its operation noisy and costly.

 

Airfree is not designed to capture particles. Its technology offers 99.9% destrucion of airboren micro-organisms by exposing them to 400 F temperatures with enough residence time to converto micro-organisms into carbon and water.  That is to say that particles will simply pass through the TSS ceramic core and will be released sterilized meaning if any microorganism is attached to a particule like bacteria, it will be destroyed.

 

Contrary to air filters Airfree efficiency does not depend on large air flows, it simply depends on slow air flow (14 m3/h) that enters Airfree without any resitance, carrying molds, bacteria, allergens and other micro-organisms, to be fully dertroyed by heat.

 

Also different from Ionizers where the ozone generated denaturates the allergens structure but even after being dead those microorganisms are still alergic.

 

What else can allergy sufferers do?

 1- Wash sheets in hot water (above 55 ° C) for periods between 7 and 10 days to reduce dust mites;

2- Use mattresses and pillows anti mite covers.

3- Wait at least 2 hours before making bed to reduce moisture and proliferation of dust mites and fungi.

4- Fix water leaks in 24 hours, to avoid mold growth.

5- Clean any mold stain as soon as you notice it. Prefer allergy friendly products.

6- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. 

7- Perform regular cleaning of refrigerators, air conditioners and dehumidifiers, because those devices accumulate internal moisture, leading to fungus and bacteria growth.

10-  During pollen season, check daily forecast to avoid outdoors during peak hours. Peaks usually occur during mornings and evenings, when is desirable that you close house and car windows. 

11- Use saline nasal wash to reduce pollen and alergens.

12- During high pollen concentration days, wash you hair and clothes after arriving home.