From: lizk@della
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Allergies/air cleaners
Date: 29 Sep 92 16:12:22 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.

In article <MDF0.92Sep23113634@shemesh.GTE.com> mdf0@GTE.com (Mark  
Feblowitz) writes:
> My family members have all benefitted from the use of an HEPA air
> filter. After sending around for literature from several manufacturers
> of electrostatic and HEPA filters, we chose the HEPA - at a higher
> overall cost, but with a much higher efficiency rate for pollen and
> dust particles. The specific brand that we bought was Enviracaire,
> primarily because it was by far the least expensive of the lot.
> 
> Most people notice a diference when walking into one of our rooms that
> has been filtered by the HEPA, but they're not sure what the
> difference is. They say it "feels clean". The filter is highly
> efficient at removing dust,pollen, and smoke, and also does a fine job
> on airborne fragrances released by some household cleaning supplies
> (this may be more due to the activated charcoal "wrapper" around the
> HEPA core than the core filter itself).
> 
> I have read the Consumer Reports article on air filters, but don't
> recall if they included HEPA filters. Their overal assesment is that
> the filters commercially available are not worth buying. With the
> exception of the HEPA (and, for some purposes, the electrostatic) I
> agree - most of them are worthless, circulating little air and/or
> filtering few of the relevant particles. The specs on some of the
> electrostatic filters and all of the HEPA filters are much better.
> 
> CU also said something about the fact that dust settles quickly and
> pollens can be effectively shut out. There are circumstances,however,
> where you must either let in pollen-laden air (e.g., when temporarily
> opening windows to cool down your house) or when you must stir up some
> dust (as in vacuum cleaning). In those circumstances, it is desirable
> to remove the particles as quickly as possible, especially if you're
> severely allergic to these items. A high-capacity HEPA filter can do
> just that.
> 
> In addition to the HEPA, I recommend replacing the filters of your
> central or window air conditioners with a filter that is more
> efficient for dust- and pollen-sized particles. These restrict the
> flow of air somewhat, so you may need to consult your HVAC specialist
> to tell you if the filters are compatible with your particular system.
> 
> Whatever CU says, we can tell the difference between a ragweed night
> with and without filtration, and have been able to reduce our
> consumption of antihistamines and bronchodilators.
> 
> 
> --
>  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Mark Feblowitz,   GTE Laboratories Inc., 40 Sylvan Rd.  Waltham, MA  
02254
> mfeblowitz@GTE.com, (617) 466-2947, fax: (617) 890-9320

I have a mold allergy and my allergist recommended purchasing a
HEPA Enviracaire filter.  The nurse in his office suggested buying the
filter at Price Club as they have the cheapest prices.  I got my
filter for $145.00 at Price Club.  I believe other discount warehouses
such as SAMS in the Mid-West sell these as well.

Elizabeth Knittel

lizk@informix.com