A new study by the Asthma Society of Ireland, sponsored by Envirion and NuWave Sensors, shows that improving indoor air quality may help people with asthma manage their symptoms. The research suggests air quality monitoring and air cleaning could be a vital part of ongoing asthma management.
"The results of this study highlight the need for a larger, longer-term study to fully illustrate the benefits of air quality monitoring and the use of air purifiers as a way to better inform public health initiatives," said Kevin Kelly, interim CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland.
The study has implications for the 24,190 people with asthma in Galway.
As part of the study, nine members of the Asthma Society of Ireland installed a CairTM smart air quality sensor from NuWave Sensors in their home and used the CairTM app to log their asthma symptoms for three months. Halfway through the study, a CliniAir air purifier unit from Envirion was installed in the home and used for the final six weeks of research.
John Sodeau, Professor of Chemistry at UCC, said of the study: “The main lesson to be learned from this report is that air filtration systems are a real help in reducing the numbers of airborne particulates present in your house. Every asthma management plan should have one.”
The research showed that a significant number of asthma events could be linked to poor air quality within the home, and that installing an air purifier led to a dramatic drop in dangerous air pollution, particularly a type linked to more severe asthma symptoms, COPD, and even lung cancer.
Dr Stephen Daniels from NuWave Sensors said: “This study highlights the importance of monitoring and understanding air quality including temperature, humidity, particle and chemical pollution in your home to effectively manage your personal asthma triggers."
Mr Kelly added: “The ability to log asthma symptoms against the current air quality in the home is hugely helpful for people with asthma, as it can make identifying and avoiding asthma triggers much easier.”
The importance of clean outdoor air is well understood; however, indoor air quality is just as important. We spend the majority of our time indoors (up to 90 per cent for young children and elderly people ) which means that the air we breathe impacts our health and wellbeing.
Colum Duffy, senior sales executive in Envirion, said: “We are delighted to participate in the first study of this kind with the Asthma Society of Ireland. The findings highlight that proactive management of indoor air quality through the implementation of air purification units can dramatically improve the quality of life for asthma sufferers and others.”
When outdoor air quality is bad, it can be difficult for one person to make changes that lead to big improvements. However, with indoor air quality it is relatively easy and often cost-effective to make small changes that can reap real rewards for your health.
