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Cubic meters
of clean air achived:
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60m3
|
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Max Room size
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one unit per 24m2 area |
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Size:
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29cm x 13cm x 12cm |
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Weight:
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1.8kg |
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Power consumption
in watts:
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46w
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Filter changes
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None |
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Noise Level
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Silent |
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Fan speeds:
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No fan |
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Case Material:
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Plastic |
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Guarantee:
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2 years |
1 - How does Airfree work? Airfree utilizes heat to sterilize the air dragged into its patented ceramic core by air convection. Inside the ceramic core air is sterilized at high temperatures(between 200º to 300º C). Any living micro-organism, bacteria, virus are incinerated regardless of how dangerous they might be.
2 - Is there any contra-indication? Airfree does not have any contra indication, on the contrary it should be used in every room in every single house to improve indoor air quality.
3 - What is Airfree capacity? Airfree Enviro RL 60 has 24m2 or 60m3 capacity. Larger rooms require more than one device.
4 - Can Airfree be installed in closets? Airfree is ideal for pantries as long as Airfree is not placed under shelves and is placed free of obstacles. Recommended minimum room volume is 10 m3.
5 - Can Airfree be used in rooms equipped with air conditioning? Airfree is effective in all rooms in central air conditioned homes and offices.
6 -Can Airfree be installed in any room? Airfree was designed for indoor use. Airfree is an electric device and as all electric home appliances requires common precautions to avoid electric hazards. Never put it in water or any liquid nor pull its electric cord.
7 - Can Airfree be placed in a corridor to protect connecting rooms? Airfree is to be placed in just one room, away from open windows and doors.
8 - Can Airfree be installed in closed rooms? Yes. Minimum recommended room volume is 10 m3.
9 - Are windows and doors to be kept closed? No. Regular ventilation does not affect Airfree efficiency. It is recommended that Airfree is not placed next to window or doors nor in the middle of an air stream.
10 - How long does it take to verify Airfree action? Airflow varies according to room temperature and place of installation averaging 10 m3/h. After two to three weeks 80% of the airborne microorganism and allergen levels is reduced, when correctly plugged in 24 h per day and installed according to the manual.
11 - Can Airfree be plugged during the day in the living room and switched to the bedroom at night? No. Airfree must be always on the same room according to the Manual. 12 - Shall I unplug Airfree when going out of the house/ office? No. In order to be efficient Airfree must be always on in the same room.
13 - For a quick period Airfree was disconnected. Is there a problem? No if for just a couple of hours. Airfree will quickly recover lost time.
14 - Does Airfree eliminate bacteria and germs? Yes. Airfree' s bactericide and germicide efficiency is recognized by international independent laboratories and universities. Please visit the Test Page where many tests are available upon a click.
15 - How does Airfree eliminate dust mites? Airfree doesn't incinerate dust mites, however it does destroy fungi- the food the dust mites need to survive. The dust mite population is reduced in the same percentage as the fungi that are destroyed. 80% of Dust mite population is eliminated due lack of fungi.
16 - How does Airfree eliminate fungus? Fungi, spores (fungi "seeds") are incinerated inside the patented ceramic core of Airfree, so as bacteria, fungi and viruses.
17 -Does Airfree destroy viruses? Yes. The smallest microorganisms the better for Airfree as they are more easily carried by air flows into the patented ceramic core of Airfree. Airfree is the best ally in preventing respiratory diseases.
18 - Does Airfree eliminate tobacco smell? Our customers claim yes. We have no independent test yet but it is under way. Any organic odor is eliminated but as said before tobacco smell is still to be confirmed.
19 - Does Airfree release any gas or chemical product? No. Sterilization is done by heat in a way that no emissions are delivered to the room ambiance.
20 -Does Airfree heat the room? No. Airfree was projected to avoid any sensible interference in room temperature and humidity. The heat contribution of 2 Airfrees is the same as of one extra person in a room.
21 - Is the room humidity affected by Airfree? No.
22 - Does Airfree require filter replacement? No. Airfree has no filters and requires no maintenance other than cleaning the top lid with a dry or humid cloth. When cleaning Airfree please disconnect it from the electric source.
23 - Is Airfree electric consumption high? No. Airfree's consumption is less than a 50 Watt light bulb.
24 - Can children be burned when touching Airfree? No. Airfree's top lid achieves 62º C on its center which is uncomfortable but not enough to cause any burn. Children will remove their hands when touching the top lid.
25 - How do I know Airfree is not working? As long as the top lid is warm, Airfree is working properly. If cold please refer to the instructions manual.
26 -How long is the warranty? Airfree warranty is 24 months from the date of purchase.
BENEFITS
Airfree is excellent for Allergies, Asthma and other breathing allergies, as
fungi and dust mites that cause the breathing allergies are drastically reduced
by Airfree
Babies and Children
Studies performed by the University of Virginia show that children exposed
to dust mites in their early ages have more chance to develop asthma. Airfree
helps to eliminates dust mites.
AIRFREE is a must in all children's bedrooms because it:
Airfrees' uses in Kitchens
Kitchens equipped with Airfree will prevent food from developing mildew. No
more mildew in your cheese, bread, fruits and other food items.
Odours are also reduced.
Airfrees' uses in Boats
HOW AIRFREE HELPS CONTROL MOULD
Mould and mould spores are always present in the air. Those airborne microscopic
microorganisms will attach themselves to walls, furniture and other surfaces
in any room. When the temperature and moisture level in the environment are
suitable for germination, the fungus spores burst and grow into new mould or
mildew colonies.
Airfree sterilization ceramic core destroys 99.99% of mould and spores. After
2-3 weeks of continuous usage, mould in the room is reduced in 80% and in some
cases in 90%. (please see below tests)
80% reduction in room airborne spores will translate into a safe environment
where virtually no mould will develop for as long as Airfree is protecting the
room.
Mould Allergy
Along with pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, moulds are an important cause
of seasonal allergic rhinitis. People allergic to moulds may have symptoms from
spring to late fall. The mould season often peaks from July to late summer.
Unlike pollens, moulds may persist after the first killing frost. Some can grow
at subfreezing temperatures, but most become dormant. Snow cover lowers the
outdoor mould count dramatically but does not kill moulds. After the spring
thaw, moulds thrive on the vegetation that has been killed by the winter cold.
In the warmest areas of the United States, however, moulds thrive all year and
can cause year-round (perennial) allergic problems. In addition, moulds growing
indoors can cause perennial allergic rhinitis even in the coldest climates.
What is mould?
There are thousands of types of moulds and yeast, the two groups of plants in
the fungus family. Yeasts are single cells that divide to form clusters. Moulds
consist of many cells that grow as branching threads called hyphae. Although
both groups can probably cause allergic reactions, only a small number of moulds
are widely recognized offenders.
The seeds or reproductive particles of fungi are called spores. They differ
in size, shape, and colour among species. Each spore that germinates can give
rise to new mould growth, which in turn can produce millions of spores.
What is mould allergy?
When inhaled, microscopic fungal spores or, sometimes, fragments of fungi may
cause allergic rhinitis. Because they are so small, mould spores may evade the
protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract to reach the lungs.
In a small number of people, symptoms of mould allergy may be brought on or
worsened by eating certain foods, such as cheeses, processed with fungi. Occasionally,
mushrooms, dried fruits, and foods containing yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar will
produce allergic symptoms. There is no known relationship, however, between
a respiratory allergy to the mould Penicillium and an allergy to the drug penicillin,
made from the mould.
Where do moulds grow?
Moulds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and a source of the
few other chemicals they need. In the fall they grow on rotting logs and fallen
leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. In gardens, they can be found in compost
piles and on certain grasses and weeds. Some moulds attach to grains such as
wheat, oats, barley, and corn, making farms, grain bins, and silos likely places
to find mould.
Hot spots of mould growth in the home include damp basements and closets, bathrooms
(especially shower cubicles), places where fresh food is stored, refrigerator
drip trays, house plants, air conditioners, humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses,
upholstered furniture, and old foam rubber pillows.
Bakeries, breweries, barns, dairies, and greenhouses are favourite places for
moulds to grow. Loggers, mill workers, carpenters, furniture repairers, and
upholsterers often work in mouldy environments.
Which moulds are allergenic?
Like pollens, mould spores are important airborne allergens only if they are
abundant, easily carried by air currents, and allergenic in their chemical makeup.
Found almost everywhere, mould spores in some areas are so numerous they often
outnumber the pollens in the air. Fortunately, however, only a few dozen different
types are significant allergens.
In general, Alternaria and Cladosporium (Hormodendrum) are the moulds most commonly
found both indoors and outdoors throughout the United States. Aspergillus, Penicillium,
Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium (Pullularia)
are also common.
Are mould counts helpful?
Similar to pollen counts, mould counts may suggest the types and relative quantities
of fungi present at a certain time and place. For several reasons, however,
these counts probably cannot be used as a constant guide for daily activities.
One reason is that the number and types of spores actually present in the mould
count may have changed considerably in 24 hours because weather and spore dispersal
are directly related. Many of the common allergenic moulds are of the dry spore
type--they release their spores during dry, windy weather. Other fungi need
high humidity, fog, or dew to release their spores. Although rain washes many
larger spores out of the air, it also causes some smaller spores to be shot
into the air.
In addition to the effect of day-to-day weather changes on mould counts, spore
populations may also differ between day and night. Day favours dispersal by
dry spore types and night favours wet spore types.
Are there other mould-related disorders?
Fungi or microorganisms related to them may cause other health problems similar
to allergic diseases. Some kinds of Aspergillus may cause several different
illnesses, including both infections and allergy. These fungi may lodge in the
airways or a distant part of the lung and grow until they form a compact sphere
known as a "fungus ball." In people with lung damage or serious underlying
illnesses, Aspergillus may grasp the opportunity to invade the lungs or the
whole body.
In some individuals, exposure to these fungi also can lead to asthma or to a
lung disease resembling severe inflammatory asthma called allergic bronchopulmonary
aspergillosis. This latter condition, which occurs only in a minority of people
with asthma, is characterized by wheezing, low-grade fever, and coughing up
of brown-flecked masses or mucus plugs. Skin testing, blood tests, X-rays, and
examination of the sputum for fungi can help establish the diagnosis. Corticosteroid
drugs are usually effective in treating this reaction; immunotherapy (allergy
shots) is not helpful.
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (USA)
The information you will find is:
Then we have identified the major allergens and pollutants that people are trying
to deal with, and given each one a rating from one to five, to give you an indication
of how effective a purifier is at dealing with particular air quality issues
(1 being the lowest, 5 the highest performance). The allergens rated are:
Dust, pollen, animal dander, tobacco, odours, pollution, mould, chemicals, bacteria
and volatile organic compounds.
Metric conversions
20 metres square = 220 square feet. ie) room size 11
feet x 20 feet
24 metres square = 260 square feet. ie) room size 12 feet x 22 feet
30 metres square = 320 square feet. ie) room size 13 feet x 25 feet
36 metres square = 365 square feet. ie) room size 13 feet x 28 feet
46 metres square = 550 square feet. ie) room size 18 feet x 30 feet
54 metres square = 580 square feet. ie) room size 19 feet x 30 feet
63 metres square = 680 square feet. ie) room size 23 feet x 30 feet
140 metres square = 1500 square feet. ie) room size 30 feet x 50 feet
What's this? CADR
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery rate, which is a measure of a cleaners efficiency,
together with the air flow rate. It is defined as the cubic feet of air cleaned
of a particular particle in one minute.
For example, if an air cleaner has a CADR of 250 for smoke particles, this is
equivalent to adding 250 cubic feet of clean air to the room each minute.
The CADR is useful for comparing different units efficiency at dealing with
certain particulates such as dust, pollen and smoke, although it does not measure
chemical removal.
What's This? A Decibel
A decibel is a measure of sound. As a rough guide to what each level of sound
is equivalent to:
· A whisper: 20 to 30 decibels
· Normal conversation: 60 decibels
· Power lawn mower: 65 to 95 decibels
· Electric drill: 95 decibels
· Rock concert: 110 to 120 decibels
· Chain saw: 120 decibels
· Jackhammer: 130 decibels
· Stock car race: 130 decibels
· Shotgun: 170 decibels
What's this? Ionizer
Air Ionization in Nature: The atmospheric air that we breathe always
carry positive or negative electrical charges, or ions, and a charged molecule
is called a light air ion, or air-ion. If a charged molecule of air settles
on a water drop or a dust particle, it also obtains electric charge, and is
then called a heavy "ion". In rural location or in the mountains on
a sunny day the air usually contains about 800-1000 light air ions of both polarities
in a cubic centimetre, and no heavy ions. This is what makes the air feel fresh
and healthy.
Whereas, in a big city, the concentration of light air ions drops to 50-100
ions per cubic centimeter, while the concentration of heavy "ions",
on the opposite, rises to tens of thousands in a cubic centimeter. This is why
many air purifiers have an ionizer as part of their features, to emit light
ions to refresh the air.
Dust Mite Allergen
Over 75% of the "dust" one sees in a sunbeam shining through any window
is dander- basically human and pet skin. This dander, as well as mould, is the
main food source for the dustmite. As it is lightweight, dander will float around
to any part of the home. Dust mites can be found in any home around the world,
and are closely related to spiders. However, dust mites are so small that they
cannot be seen with the naked eye. The dust mite sheds it's skin as it grows.
These skin sheds as well as their droppings are known as allergens and can pose
a serious problem to those who have an allergy. Dust mite allergen is the second
most common allergy after pollen.
Dust mites live their lives on objects like sofas, chairs, bedding, mattresses,
stuffed toys and clothing. It is not uncommon for a pillow to add over 10% of
it's weight in just 2 years due to live dust mites and their droppings and carcasses.
Furthermore, populations can exceed 10 million dust mites on any one mattress
in less then 3 years! They need high humidity to survive - generally in excess
of 60% - and a lot of food.
Allergies and allergic reactions to dust mites vary from person to person. Clearly,
some people are not affected by their presence; for others dust mites pose a
very real problem. Though it is believed an acute exposure to dust mites at
a young age can have a life long impact, many adults can be suddenly affected.
Reactions include but are not limited to sneezing, itching, watery eyes, wheezing,
headaches, fatigue and depression. Though not
common, some people may develop a red rash. Most important is the fact that
dust mites are impacting over 50% of asthmatics. These are people who need pure
and allergen free air to breath. The fact that dust mites and the stuff on which
they feed can easily get air borne makes them so much more of a threat to anyone
that suffers from respiratory disorders.
It is important
to reduce the levels of dust in a home if you are allergic to dust mite. This
can be certainly helped with the use of a suitable air cleaner that has hepa
filtration, to clear the air of dander and airborne allergen.
Pollen
Each spring, summer, and autumn, tiny particles are released from trees, weeds,
and grasses. These particles, known as pollen, are carried by the wind, their
mission to fertilize other plants. Many, however, never reach their targets.
Instead, they enter human noses and throats, triggering a type of seasonal allergic
rhinitis called pollen allergy, which many people know as hay fever.
The worst types of pollen for allergy sufferers are produced by the plain-looking
plants (trees, grasses, and weeds) that do not have showy flowers. These plants
manufacture small, light, dry pollen granules that are custom-made for wind
transport. A single ragweed plant can generate a million grains of pollen a
day. It is very hard to avoid pollen on high pollen count days, so air purification
can really help to keep your home pollen free.
Pet Allergy
Your pet's dead skin flakes, urine, droppings, saliva and hair can trigger an
allergic reaction or an asthma attack. Dogs, cats, rodents (including hamsters
and guinea pigs) and other mammals all can trigger asthma in individuals with
an allergic reaction to animal dander. It is the proteins in the dander, urine,
or saliva of warm-blooded animals that causes this reaction.
The most effective method to control animal allergens in the home is to not
allow an animal in the home. If you remove an animal from the home, it is important
to clean the home (including floors and walls, but especially carpets and upholstered
furniture) thoroughly. Pet allergen levels are reported to stay in the home
for several months after the pet is removed even with cleaning.
Isolation methods to reduce animal allergen in the home have also been suggested,
but the animal allergen can be carried in the air and by residents of the home
on their clothing to all parts of the home, even when the animal is isolated.
In fact, animal allergen is often detected in locations where no animals were
housed. In these situations, it is assumed that the allergen was carried in
on people that have animals or on people that have been around animals or people
with animals.
So the most effective method to control exposure to animal allergens is to keep
your home pet free. However, some individuals may find isolation measures together
with regular washing of the pet to be sufficiently effective. If you choose
to keep your pet, it is best if you keep them out of sleeping areas, away from
upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys, and keeping the pet outdoors
as much as possible. As the pet allergen is airborne, having a good hepa filtered
air purifier will be effective at controlling levels of the pet allergen.
Tobacco Smoke
Source: Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking. Secondhand smoke is also
known as Environmental Tobacco Smoke. Secondhand smoke includes both exhaled
mainstream smoke from smokers and sidestream smoke from the end of a cigarette,
cigar, or pipe. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, including
over 50 compounds that have been identified as carcinogens.
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; lung cancer;
may contribute to heart disease. Specifically for children, increased risk of
lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and ear
infections; build-up of fluid in the middle ear; increased severity and frequency
of asthma episodes; decreased lung function.
Steps to Reduce Exposure:
· Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so.
· Do not smoke if children are present, particularly infants and toddlers.
· If smoking indoors cannot be avoided, increase ventilation in the area
where smoking takes place. Open windows or use exhaust fans.
· Use an air purifier that has been specifically designed to deal with
both the particles and gaseous pollutants of tobacco smoke.
Odours
Odours can trigger an allergic response in some people, such as asthmatics,
but also a non allergic reaction in people who suffer from Vasomotor Rhinitis.
This is a chronic rhinitis that is characterised by intermittent episodes of
sneezing, watery nasal drainage, and blood vessel congestion of the nasal mucus
membranes. There appears to be a hypersensitive response to stimuli such as
a dry atmosphere, air pollutants, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions, and
some medications. Indeed any particulate matter in the air, including pollens,
dust, mould, or animal dander can bother people with VMR, even though they are
not actually allergic to these things. The most common irritants are strong
odours, such as perfumes, paint fumes, and cigarette smoke.
Car Pollution
Car pollution is a major trigger for asthmatics, and is very hard to avoid,
especially if you live near a busy road or in a city.
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that is formed when carbon
in fuel is not burned completely. 56% of all CO emissions comes from motor vehicle
exhaust.
Nitrogen oxides, or NOx, is the generic term for a group of highly reactive
gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. Many of
the nitrogen oxides are colorless and odorless. However, one common pollutant,
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) along with particles in the air can often be seen as
a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas. The primary sources of Nox, 49%,
are motor vehicles.
Ozone. Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and
chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC, that help to
form ozone. Sunlight and hot weather cause ground-level ozone to form in harmful
concentrations in the air.
Mould
Outdoors, many moulds live in the soil and play a key role in the breakdown
of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Without moulds we would all be struggling
with large amounts of dead plant matter. Moulds break down plant materials by
digesting them, using the plant material for food.
Moulds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mould
spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mould spores
land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they
are growing on in order to survive. There are moulds that can grow on wood,
paper, carpet, foods, just about anything. Sometimes, they can release harmful
gasses when they digest certain foods, such as ink from wallpaper.
The best way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture. It is important
to dry out water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mould
growth. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mould off hard surfaces
with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling
tiles & carpet) that become mouldy may have to be replaced.
Moulds can cause severe allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks in sensitive
individuals, so it is important to use a dehumidifier where humidity levels
are high, and combine this with a mould inhibiting air purifier.
Symptoms include:
respiratory problems and difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning/watery
or reddened eyes, dry hacking cough, nose and throat irritation, shortness of
breath, skin irritation, headaches, memory problems, mood changes, aches and
pains, and possible fever.
Chemicals
Chemical sensitivity usually occurs after frequent exposure to chemicals. An
allergic reaction occurs as the body's contaminant toleration levels are reached,
toxic overload results and a severe allergic reaction sets in. Chemical sensitivity
also initiates other allergy reactions, so that the sufferer becomes allergic
to nearly everything else. Common chemical/contaminant irritants vary, from
a wide range of petrochemicals and estrogenic chemicals to combustion residues
from household appliances and heating systems, to various kinds of sprays, paints
and exhaust fumes. Other culprits include chlorine bleach, moth balls and insect
repellents, dry cleaning chemicals, and clothes that have been chemically treated.
There are many odours, which, while being pleasant to some, cause great discomfort
to others. The most notable of these are the fragrances found in perfumes, after-shave
lotions and other cosmetics. There are other chemicals, which are used for cleaning
purposes, giving colour and strength to fabrics in clothing, rugs, draperies,
etc, which are offensive to some.
Bacteria & Viruses
Airborne bacteria and viruses are a common source of respiratory infection and
a particular threat to infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune or
cardiovascular systems, including people with allergies, asthma, AIDS and heart
disease. Some serious infectious diseases are spread through airborne bacteria
or viruses, including whooping cough, meningitis, pneumonia, SARS and anthrax.
VOC's
Volatile Organic Compounds:
Volatile: the ability of a substance to evaporate or readily vaporize
at room temperature.
Organic: in chemical terms refers to compounds containing hydrocarbons.
Compounds: consist of two or more elements, substances, ingredients or
parts.
Put it altogether and what does it mean: VOC's are hydrocarbon based compounds
which involve life or the products of organic life that will evaporate, or vapourize
when placed at room temperature. For example, Petroleum products such as gasoline
for example, is a bi-product of once living organisms that will vaporize at
room temperature. Glues, which are often made up of boiled animal parts, (hydrocarbons)
that are often used in the production of wood products and the installation
vinyl flooring etc., will also vaporize or off-gas formaldehyde as they cure.
This is where the term "off-gassing" comes from.
However, to vaporize, also refers to the diffusing or scattering of matter.
This is why mould, for example, has been referred to as a VOC, even though it
is considered a particle. Mould has the property of vaporizing (scattering)
spores which often contain proteins that can be extremely dangerous to humans
(mycotoxins). Likewise, the droppings of dust mite can vaporize which also contain
harmful proteins that can affect the lining of the lung. Paints, cleaners, shoe
polish, carpeting, cupboards, furniture, etc, play a significant role in polluting
our indoor environment with sometimes benign but more often dangerous emissions
that have both short and long term affects on our health.
Health Problems Caused By VOC's (Formaldehyde, Pesticides, Solvents,
Cleaning Agents)
Key Signs/Symptoms
· conjunctival irritation
· nose, throat discomfort
· headache
· allergic skin reaction
· dyspnea
· nausea,
· nosebleeds (formaldehyde)
· fatigue
· dizziness
A wide array of volatile organics are emitted by products
used in home, office, school, and arts/crafts and hobby activities. These products,
which number in the thousands, include:
· personal items such as scents and hair sprays;
· household products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints
and lacquers (and their thinners), paint strippers, pesticides (see below);
· dry-cleaning fluids;
· building materials and home furnishings;
· office equipment such as some copiers and printers;
· office products such as correction fluids and carbonless copy paper;
· graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent
markers, and photographic solutions.
· mattress ticking
To effectively deal with VOC's, you should choose an air purifier with at least
a heavy duty carbon filter, preferably a unit specifically designed to deal
with VOC's.
HOW AIRFREE HELPS REDUCE INDOOR OZONE LEVELS
Airfree is the only air sterilizer that reduces indoor ozone concentration
up to 26%. Check following studies showing how high ozone levels can be harmful
for people.
Southampton research on air pollution (ozone) and asthma By Dr Thirumala Krishna and Professor Stephen Holgate
As a result of increasing public concern about air pollution and its links with asthma, researchers in Southampton have established the `Southampton Multidisciplinary Air Pollution Research Group' (SMARG) to address various issues relating to air pollution and public health. In the past most of the environmental research relating to the epidemiology and toxicology of air pollution has been carried out in the USA. However, there have been increasing calls for more air pollution research to be carried out in this country, partly due to the relentless rise in the use of motor vehicles which has brought a new spectrum of pollutants, and partly due to the increased incidence and seriousness of asthma. SMARG are currently investigating the effects of ozone and nitrogen dioxide on the human airways, work which has received financial support from the British Lung Foundation, the Medical Research Council, and the European Commission Concerted Action grants. Ozone is principally a summer pollutant and is formed as a result of a series of complex chemical reactions involving volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight. Previous studies have shown that ozone at ambient levels can affect lung function adversely in normal humans. Studies have also shown that exposure to ozone can make patients suffering from asthma and hay fever more sensitive to allergens such as pollen and house dust mite. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have shown increases in the number of patients admitted for acute asthmatic attacks immediately following `ozone episodes'. SMARG are currently investigating the various mechanisms underlying the inflammatory effects of ozone on human airways and testing the hypothesis that vitamins protect us from the adverse effects of these pollutants. They have built an ozone exposure system in their laboratory, which is capable of generating required concentrations of ozone, to which the volunteers are exposed under controlled artificial settings. Over the next few years SMARG expect the research into the effects of different air pollutants on patients suffering from asthma and rhinitis to help set better air quality standards and policies for reducing motor vehicle traffic in the UK.
Sick Building Syndrome and Ozone BBC News OnlineThursday, October 1, 1998
Published at 10:43 GMT 11:43 UK An interaction between chemicals and photocopiers
may be to blame for eye and breathing irritations known as 'sick building syndrome',
according to new research.Scientists at the National Institute of Occupational
Health in Copenhagen have found that ozone produced by photocopiers could interact
with other compounds to produce irritating smells and eye and breathing problems.The
volatile organic compounds are present in many substances, including perfumes,
carpets and human breath.In normal atmospheres they do not cause sickness because
they are present in very low levels.However, when they are mixed with ozone,
they can cause some of the irritations linked to 'sick building syndrome'.PollutantsThe
researchers exposed 12 mice to a mixture of compounds and ozone. After half
an hour, the mice's breathing rate fell by 30%, indicating airway irritation.
Mice are known to be less sensitive to air pollutants than humans. The researchers
said the change in their breathing, when adjusted for humans, would explain
problems linked to 'sick building syndrome'.When the mice breathed the compounds
and ozone separately, there was a minimal effect on their health. The researchers,
led by Peder Wolkoff, say they believe the mixture of ozone and compounds may
produce radicals, which live for such a short time that they have escaped detection
up until now.One causeMr Wolkoff said the findings only explained one cause
of 'sick building syndrome'.He added that there were hundreds of compounds which
could react with ozone and suggested that one way of tackling the problem was
to set demands for ozone emission levels from photocopiers. He says these are
very easy to measure.The UK government sets a safety level of 0.1 part per million
for ozone-producing equipment.Major photocopier manufacturers say they would
be happy to comply if the government reduced the ozone levels and some already
produce equipment which emits much less ozone.Mr Wolkoff also called for a ban
on cleaning agents, which contain perfumes, particularly those with a lemon
scent. "They contain a lot of chemicals," he said."It is not
nice to have eye and airway irritation for eight hours a day," he stated.According
to the New Scientist, the research was sponsored by a tobacco industry-funded
body and some experts had suggested it was being used to divert attention from
the role of passive smoking on health. But Mr Wolkoff said the research found
that tobacco smoke was one compound, which could react with ozone.
Indoor Ozone Reduction
Effects of ambient ozone on lung function in children over a two-summer period
M.V. Kopp*, W. Bohnet*, T. Frischer#, C. Ulmer*, M. Studnicka+, G. Ihorst*,
C. Gardner*,, J. Forster*, R. Urbanek#, J. Kuehr* ABSTRACT: There is a general
consensus that short-term exposure to ozone (O3) causes a decrease in lung function
parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume
in one second (FEV1). The objective of this study was to assess the reproducibility
of lung function decrements after ambient O3 exposure over a two-summer period.The
authors studied 797 children with a mean age of 8.2 yrs (95% confidence interval:
6.9-9.5) from the second and third grades of ten elementary schools in Austria
and south-western Germany. At the outset the various study locations were stratified
into three groups with low (L), medium (M) and high (H) O3 exposure (range of
mean O3 concentration in the locations April-October 1994: 24-30 (L); 33-38
(M); 44-52 (H) parts per billion (ppb)). Four lung function tests were performed
on each child between March 1994 and November 1995.The increases in FVC and
FEV1 recorded from one test period to the next were expressed as mL·
day-1. A significantly lower FVC and FEV1 increase was observed in children
exposed to high ambient O3 concentration during the summer season. (FVC in summer
1994: 0.83 (L); 0.56 (M); 0.55 (H) mL · day-1; p=0.004; and summer 1995:
0.80 (L); 0.63 (M); 0.56 (H) mL · day-1; p=0.011; FEV1 in summer 1994:
0.48 (L); 0.34 (M); 0.18 (H) mL · day-1; p=0.004 and summer 1995: 0.68
(L); 0.45 (M); 0.41 (H) mL · day-1, p=0.006). There was no significant
difference in FVC or FEV1 increase between the groups during the winter period.
Adjusting for sex, age, height and passive smoke exposure, linear regression
revealed a statistically significant negative association of average ambient
O3 concentration with the FVC and FEV1 increase in both summers. During the
winter period no association of O3 with FVC or FEV1 was observed. In conclusion,
in two consecutive summer periods the authors found reproducible lung function
decrements in children exposed to high levels of ambient ozone. Reoccurrence
of ozone associated lung function deficits might increase the likelihood of
persisting effects on the childrens' airways.*University Childrens Hospital,
Freiburg
Hayfever/Rhinitis and OzoneIn Positive Health's ongoing Allergy Series, Dr Jean
Monro, international expert in Allergy and Environmental Medicine, elaborates
upon the contributing factors behind Hayfever, which now afflicts 20% of the
UK population.Hayfever was first described by a physician at the beginning of
the industrial revolution in 1819, who described it in himself. He called it
seasonal catarrh (catarrhus aestivus). It took him nearly ten years to identify
a dozen other sufferers. That is how uncommon it was before the industrial revolution.
Now it is twice as common in towns as it is in the country, largely as a result
of road traffic pollution and the effect of sunlight on it "petrochemical
smog".Its incidence has steadily increased since then and it now affects
almost 20% of the population of the UK. The peak age for contracting hayfever
is twenty years, although many children suffer, and it may develop at any age.
Hayfever sufferers are statistically more likely to have been born in the two
to three months before the pollen season which may indicate that exposure in
early infancy may sensitise to allergens which cause hayfever in later life.Chronic
rhinitis is estimated to affect 1 person in 6; approximately three quarters
of the children aged under 16 years with rhinitis, and one third of adults have
allergic rhinitis with seasonal symptoms or other factors like animal exposure
which can provoke the rhinitis. Itching of the nose suggests allergy. Non-infectious,
non-allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed by exclusion, and usually there are food
allergic components in that condition. Some people have rhinitis provoked by
oral contraceptives, aspirin, pain-killing drugs which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs or by the dye tartrazine, which is used as a food colouring. Sometimes
people with chronic rhinitis which is exacerbated in the summer months can have
an infective cause underlying the problem. Hayfever itself, however, occurs
predominantly in the grass pollen season.Pollution: This is largely as a result
of pollution and the photochemical reaction caused by sunlight, which releases
ozone from sulphur and nitrogen dioxides. Ozone is a potent sensitiser of the
nasal and lung linings and makes them more likely to react allergically to pollen
and dust, producing the symptoms of hayfever (itchy, runny, blocked nose and
sneezing, itchy, red, streaming eyes) or of asthma (cough, wheeze and shortness
of breath).
