Clean Air Solutions: April 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

2023 Allergy Capitals Report Explained — Which US Cities Have the Worst Allergy Season?

Allergies are an increasingly common condition in the United States. The 2023 Allergy Capitals Report provides an important insight into the cities currently suffering from the worst allergy season. This report identifies the top 100 cities in America where allergies are most problematic, taking factors such as airborne pollen counts, median mold spores, and ragweed allergen index into account. Knowing which cities suffer from higher-than-normal allergen levels can help those with allergies prepare for the upcoming seasons and make informed decisions about their travels and daily activities.

In this article, Camfil air quality experts explain the findings of the 2023 Allergies Capital Report and discuss strategies for mitigating the effects of pollen allergies.

What is the Allergies Capital Report?

Each year, the Allergies and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) releases a report highlighting the 100 worst cities for seasonal allergy sufferers based on three main quantifiable factors:

Pollen count scores from trees, grasses, weeds, and other pollen-producing plants
Usage of over-the-counter allergy medication usage
Availability of allergy specialists per capita

This year’s report emphasizes the importance of monitoring local pollen levels with pollen sensors, the impact of climate change on seasonal allergies, and self-care strategies for seasonal allergy sufferers.

Seasonal Allergies FAQs

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly referred to as seasonal allergies and sometimes as “hay fever,” is a condition caused by the presence of certain types of pollen, which act as a respiratory irritant for some people. Seasonal allergies usually occur in the spring and summer when most plants release pollen, but some places experience seasonal allergies year-round now due to the range of native and invasive plant species with different pollen seasons. Additionally, rising temperatures due to climate change have caused pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer in recent years.

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies can range in magnitude from mild irritation to severe discomfort and interruption of daily activities, with symptoms frequently including:

Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Runny nose
Red, itchy, or watery eyes
Itchy ears, nose, and mouth
Throat pain and irritation
Fatigue or excessive tiredness

Common Seasonal Pollutants

Seasonal pollutants vary regionally and by the time of year, and not every allergy sufferer is affected by every kind of pollen. Some of the most common allergy-causing plants in the United States include:

Grass
Burning bush
Cocklebur
Lamb’s-quarters
Pigweed
Sagebrush and mugwort
Tumbleweed and Russian thistle

How Many People Are Affected by Seasonal Allergies?

According to AAFA data, 81 million Americans were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis in 2021, accounting for 26% of American adults and 19% of American children. These numbers represent just the number of people who sought medical intervention for their allergy symptoms, so it is likely that the true percentage of affected individuals is significantly higher. Overall, an allergy to one or more kinds of pollen is the most commonly diagnosed allergy in the United States,

What Factors Make Seasonal Allergies Worse?

The presence of mold, air pollution, smoke, and dust in the air can worsen allergy symptoms as these pollutants also cause respiratory irritation. Exposure to allergens is also increased with activities like mowing the lawn, gardening, or participating in outdoor sports, which can lead to an increase in symptoms.

Additionally, warmer winter temperatures can cause spring plants to pollinate earlier, while a rainier spring season can lead to more rapid plant growth and introduce the presence of mold into the environment. All of these factors can cause allergy season to last longer and trigger more severe symptoms in more people.

Top 10 Worst Cities for Seasonal Allergies in 2023

The 2023 Allergy Capital Report named the following cities as the ten worst cities for seasonal allergy sufferers.

Wichita, KS
Dallas, TX
Scranton, PA
Oklahoma City, OK
Tulsa, OK
Sarasota, FL
Cape Coral, FL
Orlando, FL
Des Moines, IA
Greenville, SC

Of these ten cities, Wichita, Scranton, and Oklahoma City were also among the ten worst cities for seasonal allergy sufferers in 2022.

How to Take Care of Yourself During Allergy Season

AAFA and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) recommend the following strategies for taking care of yourself during allergy season:

Consult with an allergist about what medication and immunotherapy may be appropriate for you.
Keep track of pollen and mold spore counts.
Have over-the-counter allergy medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) on hand. If you have to mow the lawn, weed your garden, or take care of other outdoor activities, take medication beforehand and consider wearing an N-95 mask to limit exposure.
Rinse out your nose.
Take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes after long periods of time spent outdoors, particularly if you have been sitting on the grass or in an area with a lot of trees and plants.
Know which kinds of pollen you are sensitive to and limit time outdoors when these plants are pollinating.
Limit exposure to pollen, which can be done with an indoor air purifier.

How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies with Air Purifiers

The average American spends 90% of their time indoors, and for seasonal allergy sufferers, it can be tempting to spend even more time inside in an attempt to avoid pollen exposure. However, poorly ventilated indoor spaces or buildings that circulate air in from outside without proper filtration can have even higher concentrations of pollen than the outdoors, where the wind is able to disperse pollen at the very least.

Furthermore, indoor air can be as much as fifty times more polluted than outdoor air, and the additional respiratory irritation caused by other pollutants, such as dust and volatile organic compounds, can exacerbate the symptoms of pollen allergies.

Using a premium air purifier that uses tested and certified HEPA filters, such as Camfil’s City M, can address indoor pollen concentrations. The City M also uses an activated carbon filter, which has the ability to capture and reduce irritating fumes, household odors, and VOCs that exacerbate respiratory irritation.

By using an effective air purifier like the City M in conjunction with other strategies such as medication and immunotherapy, you can stay ahead of your allergies this season and enjoy a more comfortable spring.

Listen to Colleen, a Camfil customer who uses the City M air purifier, discuss how the City M has provided relief from severe allergies and other respiratory problems.

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.

The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 31 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,200 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/

Media Contact:

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620

E: Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook

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Sources:

https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/seasonal-allergies/

https://community.aafa.org/blog/2023-allergy-capitals-report-where-does-your-city-rank

The post 2023 Allergy Capitals Report Explained — Which US Cities Have the Worst Allergy Season? appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Air Cleaners for Hotels

Air quality should be a top priority for hotels and facility managers alike, with good indoor air potentially making the difference between an enjoyable stay or disappointment among guests. Poor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors such as bio-allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander; pollutant gases from building materials like paint; external allergens brought in from outdoors like pollen grains; smoke from cigarettes or even cooking fumes.

The latter factor is an especially important consideration from the perspective of a hotel guest. Lingering odors from previous room guests, particularly cigarette smoke, can make an otherwise excellent hotel stay unpleasant.

Fortunately, there are solutions available to tackle the problem efficiently in the form of air cleaners and air purifiers. In this article, Camfil air quality experts provide a comprehensive guide to air cleaners in hotels, covering essential information and considerations you should have when selecting the right product for your specific needs.

How Do Air Cleaners Work?

An air cleaner is an important option to consider in any strategy for improving hotel air quality. Air cleaners are portable air filtration devices that are designed to remove air pollution from a single room rather than an entire building (which would be the job of air filters within a building’s HVAC system).

Air cleaners help reduce airborne pollutants and allergens and circulate air around a space to improve ventilation, using a variety of technologies to do so. The main technologies used in air cleaners on the market in 2023 include:

MERV-rated filters trap varying sizes of particulate matter (PM) within layers of filter media.
HEPA filters are another type of mechanical filter that can filter out a minimum of 99.995% of particles at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS)
Activated carbon filters use the chemical process of adsorption to catch gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and ozone. Activated carbon filters are also the most effective air filtration solution against unpleasant odors, including cigarette smoke, according to industry best practices.
Electrostatic precipitators use a chemical catalyst to convert pollutants into benign substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.
UV-C lights are often used as an aspect of an air filtration system to disinfect the air by killing harmful pathogens; UV-C lights cannot remove particulate matter or gaseous pollutants from the air, so they should not be used alone.

An effective, high-quality air cleaner should use a combination of two or more types of these filtration technologies to achieve the highest air quality possible.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Air Cleaners for Hotels

With the vast range of air cleaning products on the market it is important to consider the following factors in choosing the right product for your hotel:

Room size. The size of the room or suite will affect the air cleaner that is chosen or how many air cleaners are required in the space to achieve the desired air quality. Knowing the volume of each room is important because different air cleaners have different capacities for what air volume they are able to move in any given period.
Filtration efficiency. The efficiency of the air cleaner chosen is important and is dependent on the types and quality of air filters it uses. Air cleaners that use both actual HEPA filters to target particulate matter and activated carbon filters to target molecular pollutants are usually the best choice for commercial applications such as hotel rooms. Be careful of devices that claim to be ‘true’ HEPA or HEPA-type filters; many cheap products falsely use this label. A real HEPA filter is individually factory tested to prove efficiency and will come with paperwork to demonstrate the results of those tests.
Noise level. This is an especially important consideration in hotel rooms as an overly noisy air cleaner can disrupt sleep and leave guests feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. While some people enjoy the presence of white noise while they sleep, it is best to opt for the quietest air cleaners possible to account for those who prefer silence.
Maintenance requirements. Many portable air cleaners are self-contained units that require little to no maintenance and last for many years. Some may need the filter replaced, but these can usually be done by maintenance or housekeeping staff with minimal effort.
Cost. Cost is always a factor when considering any type of purchase, especially those related to hospitality services such as air cleaning in hotel rooms. Fortunately, with modern air cleaners that are designed to be efficient and low-maintenance, the up-front cost is usually worth the improved guest experience and cost savings in the long run.

Ultimately it is important to choose an air cleaner that best meets the building’s needs while keeping both safety and cost in mind.

The Benefits of Using Air Cleaners in Hotels

Air cleaners are a significant purchase that requires a great deal of research and a notable upfront financial investment. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using air cleaners in hotels to consider when making the decision:

Improved air quality is the most obvious and arguably the most important benefit of air cleaners in hotels. High levels of air pollutants can accumulate quickly in small spaces like hotel rooms, leading to an unpleasant, potentially dangerous atmosphere for guests. By using air cleaners and purifiers, hotels can greatly reduce the levels of pollutants in their rooms and create a more pleasant environment for their guests. Additionally, air purifiers with HEPA filters are very effective at reducing dust, pollen, and pet dander particles, which can be especially beneficial for those suffering from allergies or asthma.
Removal of unpleasant odors from the air, which includes smoke and other unpleasant smells from cooking or previous guests. Despite rules against smoking in non-smoking rooms in most hotels and the consequent fines that come with breaking them, it is not uncommon for guests to smoke cigarettes in their rooms or on the adjoining balcony. For the next guest, the unpleasant odor of stale cigarette smoke can be disappointing and off putting, and potentially damage the hotel’s reputation and the guest’s attitude towards future stays.
Reduced risk of airborne disease transmission. Hotel rooms come with a great deal of privacy, but in most buildings, guests are sharing the same HVAC system as their neighbors. If air filtration in the building’s HVAC system is inadequate to protect guests against airborne diseases such as RSV, COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold, hotel guests are at risk of contracting one of these diseases from someone they may never even interact with face to face. The right air cleaner, however, can help mitigate this risk by providing adequate circulation and properly filtering infected respiratory particles out of the air.
Protection against odor damage. Even if air cleaners are used primarily to reduce the discomfort caused by odors and pollution, they can also help protect hotel furniture, carpets, and drapes from further damage caused by these contaminants. This is especially important in older hotels that may have a greater number of irreplaceable, unique items to protect from odors resulting from smoking or cooking. Furthermore, air cleaners protect guests’ possessions from odor damage in the same way.
Ease of installation. Because premium air cleaners operate independently of a building’s HVAC system and plug into standard electrical outlets, installation does not require the assistance of a professional.
Enhanced guest comfort and satisfaction, including better sleep. Air cleaners help to improve overall air quality, reduce odors, and remove dust and other particles that can cause allergies or otherwise make guests uncomfortable. There is also a rich connection in the scientific literature between better air quality and better mood, productivity, and sleep quality. The result is better sleep and improved comfort for the guest – something that can make an enormous difference in a hotel stay.
Higher revenue. Providing luxuries such as air cleaners in some or all rooms and suites provides a reasonable opportunity to upcharge the price for a nightly stay in one of these spaces, leading to overall increased revenue once the initial cost of the air cleaner has been covered.
Improved reputation. The above factors all impact the guest experience at a hotel in ways that improve reputation and increase the likelihood that guests will return to your hotel or provide a recommendation to friends, family, and coworkers. The positive impact that using state-of-the-art technology such as a premium air cleaner has on the brand reputation of a hotel is also an important reputation.

Best Practices for Using Air Cleaners in Hotels

Developing a Comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Management Plan. Hotels should develop a comprehensive indoor air quality management plan to ensure the safety and comfort of guests. This plan should include regular maintenance to keep air cleaners in optimal working condition, as well as proper placement of units throughout the hotel. The plan should also address best practices for operating, cleaning, and replacing filters on a routine basis. In addition, the plan should include an emergency response protocol in case of any problems with air cleaners. The plan should also accommodate local air quality regulations as well as any applicable recommendations from relevant professional organizations, such as ASHRAE.
Training Staff on Air Cleaner Use and Maintenance. Proper training and education of hotel staff are essential for the effective use and maintenance of air cleaners. Hotel staff should understand how the units work, their benefits, when and how they need to be cleaned, and how often filters should be replaced. Furthermore, any new arrivals or changes in technology should also be discussed with staff so that they are familiar with the latest advances in air cleaning.
Educating Guests on the Benefits of Air Cleaners. It is also important to educate guests on the benefits of air cleaners. Hotels should include information about the units in guest materials, such as pamphlets, brochures, and webpages, and make sure that staff are trained to answer any questions guests may have. This will help guests understand why they should use air cleaners while staying at a hotel, and ensure that they take advantage of the health benefits these units can provide.
Regular Testing and Monitoring of Air Quality in Hotel Rooms. In addition to having an indoor air quality management plan in place, it is important for hotels to monitor air quality on a regular basis. This will help ensure that any problems with air cleaners are identified early and addressed promptly. Hotel staff should also be trained on how to use air quality testing equipment, so they can detect and address any potential issues.

Potential Drawbacks of Using Air Cleaners in Hotels

The use of air cleaners and purifiers in hotels can certainly help to improve the air quality and decrease guest’s exposure to allergens and irritants, however, it is important to consider potential drawbacks when selecting an air cleaner or air purifier.

Noise disruption to guests is one of the main drawbacks that must be taken into account when deciding on an air purifier or cleaner. It is essential to select a model of air cleaner that is designed to produce minimum white noise when operating at maximum efficiency.
Ozone emissions from certain kinds of air cleaners are a possibility. Ozone is a strong oxidant that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; these negative effects are especially pronounced in compact spaces such as hotel rooms where larger concentrations of the pollutant can build up rapidly. It is therefore important to opt for air cleaner models that use air filtration technologies such as HEPA filtration that do not produce dangerous pollutants.
Initial cost associated with installing and maintaining an air purifier or cleaner is another potential drawback that building managers must take into consideration. While it might come with a higher price tag than other hotel amenities, in the long run, it is likely to provide a positive ROI for your business.
Ongoing maintenance requirements that are associated with using premium air filtration equipment such as an air cleaner to maintain optimal function should be taken into account. Keeping up with regular maintenance will help to ensure that your guests enjoy clean and safe air in their rooms. However, it is important to consider that a well-maintained premium air cleaner will protect the hotel building’s HVAC system, which will reduce labor costs associated with HVAC maintenance.

Future Trends in Air Cleaners for Hotels

The importance of air quality at hotels has become increasingly evident in recent years, and as guests expect cleaner air, hotels are looking for innovative solutions. Air cleaners that employ emerging technologies may be the solution, using advanced filtration systems that selectively cleanse the air to reduce contaminants, allergens, and odors. Automation and artificial intelligence have further aided the development of more efficient air cleaners; automation has allowed the machines to autonomously adjust the filtering capacity according to the unpredictable changes of hotel room occupancy while artificial intelligence technology has allowed them to refine and improve their own performance. Furthermore, such devices can increase overall energy efficiency in hotels by working together with other building systems, such as HVAC or solar shades. As hotels strive for cleaner air and improved customer satisfaction, new trends in air cleaners utilizing these cutting-edge technologies will likely continue to develop.

Find the Right Air Cleaner for Your Hotel

Overall, air cleaners are essential in improving indoor air quality in hotels. With their ability to filter out dust, smoke, and other airborne particles, they make the hotel atmosphere pleasant and comfortable for guests. Air cleaners also help to eliminate odors that can be caused by cigarette smoke and allergy symptoms caused by pet dander and pollen. Hotel owners should understand how these units work as well as how to identify air cleaners that work effectively. Strategically installing and maintaining air cleaners can make all the difference in providing guests with a more satisfactory experience and better sleep during their stay at a hotel. In effect, air cleaners play a key role in creating healthier living and breathing environments for everyone – something any hotel should strive for.