Study Finds Vacuuming Can
Help Reduce Cat Allergies
by Nilfisk-Advance America Inc.
In a paper recently published by the American Review of Respiratory
Disease, it was reported that the 6 million Americans who are allergic to
cats may be able to reduce their suffering through proper vacuuming
procedures.
The study [*] was designed to measure airborne
particles of cat allergen (Fel d I) under various circumstances, and their
impact on allergy and asthma sufferers. Among other findings, the study
examined the impact of two different "allergy vacuums" on the airborne
particles generated by house cats that most commonly cause allergic
reactions.
Testing with two types of vacuums -- one a water-filtering vacuum
system and the other a HEPA (High
Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum manufactured by
Nilfisk-Advance America, Inc. -- found an increase
in airborne cat allergens as a result of using the water-filtration vacuum.
The HEPA filtered vacuum, on the other hand, effectively reduced the
number of allergens in the carpet during vacuuming, and caused no
increase in airborne particles from the vacuuming process.
"The sharp increase in airborne cat allergen associated with small
particles when the water filter vacuum cleaner was used was shown to be due
to the formation of fine droplets by the machine. This result leaves
little doubt that this type of vacuum cleaner would not be suitable for
patients allergic to cats," according to the study in the February issue
of the respiratory journal, published by the American Lung Association.
"In contrast, the HEPA filter vacuum cleaner effectively contained the
allergen," the study reported.
Previous reports have advised allergy sufferers against using their
home vacuums because the mere act of vacuuming tends to stir up the
allergens in a home and, in some cases, exacerbate the suffering.
HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners have long been used in the collection of
hazardous dusts, such as asbestos and lead, because the HEPA filter is
capable of collecting and containing 99.97% of all particles 0.3
µm (micrometers - formerly microns)
in size. Cat allergens, which include cat dander, dried saliva and other
feline by-products, are typically 2.5 µm in size.
[*] "Airborne Concentrations and Particle Size
Distribution of Allergen Derived from Domestic Cats (Felis domesticus)";
by Luczynska et al.; AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE, February
1990.
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