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Air Purifier For Pet AllergyBy Ed Sherbenou Are you allergic to your pet? Approximately two percent of the U.S. population, between 6 and 10 million people, is allergic to pet cats. One third of these insist on keeping kitty, despite prodding from medical professionals. Add dogs, birds, hamsters, and other pets, and you have a near majority of the population. Many people are allergic to a pet belonging to a loved one, which they may see only on occasional visits. The good news is that no boa constrictor allergies have been reported. Allergies to pets can take years to develop. Signs and symptoms, which can come and go with immune system depressing factors, may be mistaken for a series of "colds." Eventually a chronic condition develops which is diagnosed by provocative testing as an allergic reaction. For many, this is a heartbreaking discovery, especially where the pet has been a lifelong companion. Assuming the allergic person does give up the pet, cleaning can begin. After the pet is gone, it can take months or even years to remove pet allergen from a contaminated home. Yes, an air purifier will reduce airborne dander, allergen, and odor while pets are still present, but do not expect full allergy relief. Pet allergen comes mainly from the animal's saliva, it is a protein transmitted by licking. Dogs show affection with direct licking and cats groom themselves with their tongues. When her fur is "clean" and dry, with saliva proteins ready to fly off, kitty feels pretty and ready for petting. The very behavior that makes a particular animal a great pet, their ability to demonstrate affection in a manner humans can see, spreads the allergens. Humans, after interaction with pets, carry the allergenic particles on their hands, clothing, and in their hair. Pet allergen can be scientifically measured. These tiny proteins are found in schools, hospitals, doctor's offices, and anywhere pet owners congregate. Furniture and especially carpet form a reservoir for pet allergens. Foot traffic will stir them up far into the future. Animal dander (skin flakes), while only a carrier of the proteins, is very tiny and light, it floats in the air indefinitely. Pet allergen protein particles are one tenth the size of mold spores or pollen, in the .1 micron range. This particle size is difficult to filter effectively. Particles carrying pet allergen collect on surfaces high in rooms, where cleaning is difficult. Any draft will start them floating again. Air purifiers chosen to deal with a pet allergy situation will need to remove .1 micron sized protein fragments. Only a few premium air purifiers can do this consistently. A top of the line HEPA such as IQAir air purifier, or a HEPA equivalent air cleaner such as Blueair, would be better for pet allergen removal. If you choose, as many will, to keep your pet, get a powerful air cleaner. It won't be cheap. Then try to restrict your pet from your bedroom. Close off your sleeping area and try to get it clean. The air purifier should be run on higher speeds days and at the highest speed you can sleep with at night, even if symptoms subside. |
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