Portable Air-Quality Units: Part 2

Humidifiers
These units add moisture to the air. Since normal human activity produces a lot of water vapour, it is usually unwise to put extra humidity into the air. From a health point of view, too dry is usually better than too humid. People sometimes complain that the air dries out when the central heating is on. However, this is because the relative humidity has been lowered and not because the central heating has removed moisture from the air. Using a humidifier may make the air feel more comfortable, but you will be providing more favourable conditions for mould and dust mites. Try setting your central heating to a lower temperature instead.

In addition, humidifiers contain a reservoir of standing water, which can become the breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Even if the unit has been designed to kill these microorganisms, dead allergenic mould may still be blown out along with the humidified air.

Humidifiers can be used to help medical conditions, such as croup, but steam inhalation is as effective. If a child with asthma is having breathing problems at night, the cause should be sought and dealt with by your doctor.

Air-conditioning units
Most domestic air-conditioning systems, including stand-alone units, simply cool and recirculate the air within the area they operate; they do not necessarily bring fresh air in from outside. This is not always realized - because stand-alone air conditioners are often mounted through a window, people assume that they exchange interior with exterior air as part of their operation. In fact, window mounting is simply the easiest method of exhausting the heat they take from inside the home.

Stand-alone units do not usually have any air filters, while filters provided for central air-conditioning systems are primarily designed to protect the cooling unit, and need upgrading if they are to be of any benefit to allergy sufferers.

Regular maintenance of stand-alone units (and the ductwork of central systems) prevents a build-up of dust and contamination by mould and bacteria - running the unit for 30 minutes after turning off the cooling function helps to dry out the system and prevent mould growth.

Air conditioning may benefit pollen sufferers, as windows can be kept closed during peak pollen times. Air conditioning also helps to reduce relative humidity, so helping to control dust mite numbers and mould growth.



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