May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a time to shed light on these conditions that affects millions worldwide. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, mold, or pet dander — or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people. As we observe this important month, it's crucial to explore solutions that can alleviate symptoms and promote better respiratory health.
Understanding Asthma
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25 million Americans live with asthma, including around 7 million children. Globally, asthma affects over 300 million people, with prevalence increasing in recent years.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over 25 million Americans have asthma, and more than 50 million suffer from allergies. These numbers continue to rise, making it essential to find ways to manage symptoms and reduce triggers. While there is no cure for asthma and allergies, proper management, including medication and environmental control, can help individuals.
Take Action
This Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, consider taking steps to improve indoor air quality.
- Invest in a high-quality air purifier with HEPA filtration.
- Keep indoor spaces clean and free of dust and clutter.
- Maintain optimal humidity levels to discourage mold growth.
- Avoid smoking indoors and minimize exposure to secondhand smoke.
The Role of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are valuable tools in managing asthma and allergy symptoms by trapping airborne triggers that can exacerbate the condition. Here's how they work:
- Particle and Allergen Filtration: Symptoms can worsen due to airborne particles such as smoke, fine dust, and pollutants. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters effectively trap allergens to help reduce exposure to common triggers indoors. It's recommended to select certified air purifiers from The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, which is administer by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). Certified air purifiers undergo independent testing to target indoor air contaminants and scientifically prove their effectiveness in reducing allergens. Both the Rabbit Air MinusA2 and A3 air purifiers are certified under The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Reduction: Some air purifiers feature activated carbon filters that absorb VOCs emitted by household products, paints, and cleaning chemicals. Minimizing VOC exposure can benefit individuals as these compounds can irritate the airways.
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month serves as a reminder to educate individuals about asthma and allergy, its triggers, and effective management strategies. By raising awareness, we empower people to recognize symptoms, seek proper medical care, and create asthma and allergy friendly environments.
The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, run by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in collaboration with the international research organization Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), is an independent initiative designed to scientifically evaluate and certify consumer products suitable for individuals with asthma and allergies. This program includes the certification of air cleaners to address indoor air contaminants and scientifically confirm their effectiveness in reducing allergens.
In partnership with the Certification Program, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 and A3 air purifiers have been tested and found to reduce bio-allergen levels in a defined space, that the air cleaner does not contribute to ozone levels in the home, and the reduction in bio-allergen is a result of actual removal and not just re-distribution.
