Tess Eidem, a senior research associate in CU Boulder’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, has completed a pioneering study. Her studies are aimed at developing a method to neutralize airborne allergens using ultraviolet (UV) light. In fact, one major study found that UV light decreased airborne allergen concentrations by 97 percent. Best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to witness these changes! This novel approach will bring relief to more than 50 million who suffer from allergies in the US.
Rather than visible light, the study used shorter 222-nanometer-wavelength lights, a less intense and safer form of ultraviolet light that’s suitable for occupied spaces. As a first step, Eidem went to work with his colleagues Mark Hernandez and Kristin Rugh. Combined, they used a 350-cubic-foot chamber to expose aerosolized allergens from dogs, mice, dust mites, mold, and plant allergens. The results of their study appeared in the journal ACS ES&T Air.
Impact of Allergens on Public Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly one in three adults and children in the United States suffer from allergies. This daunting statistic highlights the critical need for practical, effective solutions to reduce the harmful effects of airborne allergens. Eidem’s research has the potential to be a key factor in not only improving symptoms for those impacted, but saving lives in the process.
The allergens Eidem chose to focus on are everyday culprits like pet dander and mold spores. When our furry friends groom themselves, fine particulate protein from their dander gets released into the air. This natural process generates microscopic particles of skin that are easily airborne. For example, Eidem emphasized that these allergens can linger even after their source has been eliminated.
“After those dust mites are long gone, the [allergen] is still there,” – Tess Eidem
The impact of exposure to these common allergens can be deadly. Eidem explained how asthma attacks can be exacerbated by airborne allergens. Here in the United States, these attacks result in an average of more than ten deaths each day.
Methodology and Key Findings
The level of hazardous chemical compounds Eidem identified in her report, Environmental Lab, was not too complicated in her methodology. To investigate post-harvest treatment, the researchers exposed the allergens to UV light for 30 minutes. They saw an amazing decrease in airborne allergen levels, reducing the average levels by 20-25%. In one remarkable test, just 40 minutes of exposure led to a remarkable 61% reduction of the cat allergen Fel d 1. This contrasted sharply with flat-out untreated air.
These findings suggest that UV light may be an effective method for controlling allergens in indoor environments. This encompasses everyone’s settings, from neighborhoods to housing to educational institutions.
“We have found that we can use a passive, generally safe ultraviolet light treatment to quickly inactivate [airborne allergens],” – Tess Eidem
Eidem envisions a future where this UV light technology can be integrated into various settings to help individuals combat allergies more effectively. She believes that this could become “another tool for helping people fight allergens in their home, schools or other places where allergens accumulate indoors.”
Potential Applications and Future Directions
The potential for UV light treatment goes far beyond just symptom relief. Eidem noted that traditional cleaning methods often require extensive time and effort, stating:
This new approach could provide a major edge over current alternative approaches.
“Those are pretty rapid reductions when you compare them to months and months of cleaning, ripping up carpet, and bathing your cat,” – Tess Eidem
This innovative approach could offer a significant advantage over existing methods.