The summer season is prime time for airborne allergens. 

From increased pollen levels and an abundance of moisture-loving mold spores to dangerous wildfire smoke that can affect the air we breathe, there are any number of irritants in the air that can impact our health and quality of life. 

But it isn’t just the outdoors we need to worry about. 

Airborne allergens circulating inside of our homes, schools, and businesses are just as detrimental to our well-being. According to the American Lung Association, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than outdoor air. For this reason, many Connecticut home and business owners will choose to invest in a high-quality air purification system. 

Read on to learn more about common airborne allergens and to find out how air purifiers work to keep indoor air clean and healthy. 

What are airborne allergens? 

An allergen is any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in humans or pets. Airborne allergens (also called aeroallergens) travel through the air and are typically very small and undetectable on their own. However, they can accumulate and may eventually settle onto your indoor surfaces. 

Some of the most common indoor allergens include:

Dust

Most of us give little thought to the dust in our homes, aside from the fact that dusting is our least favorite task on the cleaning list. This may be for the best, since dust is made up of a number of unpleasant things—including dead skin cells, dust mites (and their droppings), dirt, bacteria, and even tiny plastic particles. 

Pollen

Found virtually everywhere, pollen is a fine powder produced by plants to help them reproduce and spread. It floats on the air, very often finding its way indoors where it can trigger allergic reactions in people who have pollen allergies. 

Pet dander

Similar to human dander, pet dander is made up of dead skin cells that are naturally shed by animals with fur or feathers. This includes cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, and other common household pets. It is a highly common allergen for many people. 

Mold spores

Much like pollen, mold spores are microscopic particles that mold and fungi rely on to multiply and spread. Able to stay airborne for long periods of time, the minuscule spores are able to colonize once they land on surfaces, which can lead to areas of visible mold growth.

Tobacco smoke

Both the smoke itself and the chemicals contained within tobacco products can cause allergy-like symptoms in both humans and pets. This includes coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. It is especially dangerous for those with existing respiratory conditions. 

How do air purifiers work to remove allergens?

Air purifiers typically work by drawing in the surrounding air to capture the airborne allergens. Those particles are then passed through an internal filtration system, after which the purified air is released back into the room. Filtration methods may include one or more of the following:

• HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air): This type of air filter is generally more effective at removing very small airborne particles from indoor environments, which can help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful pollutants and allergens.

• Activated carbon: This method of filtration is very effective at trapping gaseous pollutants (including VOCs). Through a process called adsorption, pollutants are trapped and removed from the air. 

• Ionization: Negatively charged ions are released into the air so they can attach themselves to airborne pollutants. Those particles then sink to nearby surfaces where they can be easily removed during household cleaning. 

Instead of waiting for the air to be pulled into the filter, some advanced air purification systems will proactively treat indoor air using a process called photocatalysis, which mimics the organic process of photolysis. During photolysis, sunlight interacts with moisture and creates oxidative molecules, which are then released back into the air to seek out and reduce contaminants.

Protect your home or business from allergens. 

When it comes to your health and the health of your family and your business patrons, investing in a high-quality air purification system is a smart move. 

Not sure which air purifier is right for you? CT Mold Pros highly recommends Beyond by Aerus™ indoor air quality solutions. The proprietary ActivePure® technology reduces up to 99.9% of many common airborne and surface contaminants to keep your indoor air clean and breathable. 

CT Mold Pros is a certified installer of Aerus systems. Call (203) 920-0265 or fill out our online form to learn more.