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A Hostile Environment for Allergens
The experts agree that source control is the
best method for controlling asthma and allergy symptoms.
"Allergy sufferers can take a major step toward improving their
symptoms by making their homes hostile environments for
allergens. Doctors say preventing allergens from concentrating
the home and eliminating those that get in are as important as
medication for patients to effectively manage their illness."
Your Guide to Allergies, Judy Tidwell
A hostile environment for allergens is made up of proper
ventilation, humidity control between approximately 40% and 50%,
and using air filtration of MERV 11 or higher.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Particulate Matter are tiny
particles of solid or liquid suspended in the air. They range in
size from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers in diameter.
In general, the smaller and lighter a particulate is, the longer
it will stay in the air. Larger particles (greater than 10
micrometers in diameter) tend to settle to the ground by gravity
in a matter of hours whereas the smallest particles (less than 1
micrometer) can stay in the atmosphere for weeks and are mostly
removed by precipitation.
The size of the particle also determines where in the body the
particle may come to rest if inhaled. Larger particles are
generally filtered by small hairs in the nose and throat and do
not cause problems, but particulate matter smaller than about 10
micrometers, referred to as PM10, can settle in the lung and
cause health problems. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers,
PM2.5, can penetrate into the deep lung and tend to be the most
hazardous when inhaled.
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