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

Global warming has been an increasingly discussed topic. Although this is a controversial issue as it relates to the extent to which global warming has really increased, one thing is for sure-the occurrence of allergies and asthma has increased making it more difficult for sufferers to cope.

According to Reuters Health, the effect of global warming has had a significant impact on asthma sufferers because the seasons have lengthened and plant life growth and weeds are scattering vast amounts of pollen and other related allergens. In addition, trees that do not typically flower annually, such as beech, are growing better and may begin to grow in climates further north where they are not typically present; thus, increasing the number of people suffering from its affects.

As the climate changes, more pollen and smog-induced asthma is likely to surface. Dr. Paul Beggs, an environmental health scientist from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, indicates that allergy-triggering pollen such as ragweed and birch trees are linked to increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Because asthma is often triggered by allergens, this also increases the prevalence and severity of symptoms that asthma sufferers face.

Paul Epstein, Associate Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School backs up this theory as he has concluded that the incidence of asthma in the United States has increased nearly four times since 1980. Due to the extended warmer seasons which produce increasing amounts of pollen and other allergen triggers, we must find a way to help combat and minimize the symptoms that may people are suffering with on a daily basis. Although decreasing greenhouse gases is possible if we minimize the burning of fossil fuel, some people don't want to, or feel they are unable to purchase a 'green' vehicle, use energy efficient appliances, drive less, recycle, etc. These changes would dramatically minimize global warming and provide ease to allergy and asthma sufferers.

Thankfully, we don't have to rely on people making these changes-ultraviolet germicidal light provides a solution. Because the average person spends over ninety percent of his or her time indoors, UV disinfection is extremely effective in minimizing allergic and asthmatic symptoms.

Many people feel that since they spend a great deal of time indoors that they are not subject to allergies. However, the small gaps that most of us have near windows or doors allow allergens to penetrate into our homes making us susceptible to a variety of particles that can trigger allergies or asthma. UV air purifiers utilize ultraviolet light to kill such allergen triggers as mold, fungi, mildew, dust mites, pet dander, and smoke. As these airborne microorganisms (which are often unseen) pass by the ultraviolet light of a UV air purifier, their DNA is mutilated, causing them to be inactive and unable to trigger allergic symptoms.

Additionally, AHPCO Cell technology which is found in some UV air cleaners is far superior to the older stand alone UV lamps and catalytic oxidation methods which use only one catalyst. AHPCO Cell technology is the latest advanced oxidation technology that consists of a proprietary, high-intensity broad spectrum UV lamp in a hydrated catalytic cell. Low-level ozone is produced in the cell, the majority of which is converted into airborne hydro peroxides (H2O2), hydroxyl ions (OH-), super oxide ions (O2-) and ozonide ions (O3-) via the quad-metallic catalyst. The technological combination found in some UV air purifiers has been proven to emit cleansing ions that treat indoor air and eliminate harmful indoor air particulates.

Ultraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the protection from harmful particulates that we all face on a daily basis by destroying VOC's (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other methods that some people rely on such as vacuums and air purification methods that don't utilize the power of ultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are limited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air is cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of harmful particulates that further irritate allergen sufferers and the lungs of individuals afflicted with asthma.

With so many benefits, UV disinfection is one of the most beneficial things a person with allergies or asthma can do to improve his or her well-being. UV air purifiers are a cost-effective means of taking away the discomfort that comes along with breathing in allergens and minimizing the effects of asthma. And being unsurpassed in its natural ability to destroy airborne microorganisms, ultraviolet germicidal light can allow you and your family the relief and comfort of breathing easily in your own home.