Allergen removal

Arlian, L.G., D.L. Vyszenski-Moher, and M.S. Morgan. 2003. Mite and mite allergen removal during machine washing of laundry. J. Allerg. Clin. Immunol. 111(6) 1269-1273. 

Allergen removal or replacement Modification or inactivation of the allergen Predictive testing skin irritating potential Predictive testing sensitising potential... 

Patients sensitive to specific allergens should be educated on ways to avoid them. Environmental controls to reduce the allergen load in the patient s home may reduce asthma symptoms, school absences because of asthma, and unscheduled clinic and emergency visits for asthma.13 Patients allergic to warm-blooded pets should remove them from the home if possible or at least keep them out of the bedroom. However, allergens may remain in the home for months after the pet is removed.1... 

Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50% if possible Animal allergens (if removal of pet is not acceptable)... 

The primary treatment is removal and avoidance of the allergen.17 For conjunctivitis medicamentosa, discontinue the offending medication.11 Apply cold compresses three to four times daily to reduce redness and itching and to provide symptomatic relief.18... 

Avoidance of offending allergens is difficult. Mold growth can be reduced by keeping household humidity below 50% and removing obvious growth with bleach or disinfectant. 

High-efficiency particulate air filters can remove lightweight particles such as pollens, mold spores, and cat allergen, thereby reducing allergic respiratory symptoms. 

Airborne particles, bacteria, fungi spores and allergens will be removed by air filtration, which is often cheaper and more effective than electrostatic precipitators and ionizers. A disposable, high-efficiency filter capable of removing at least 95 percent of particles with size down to 0.3 micron will be installed. A washable coarse filter that removes fifty percent of particles larger than 10 microns will be used as a pre-filter to extend the life of the high efficiency filter by at least a third. An inexpensive sensor will be included to indicate when filter replacement is necessary. 

The allergens produced wheals 4-8 mm in diameter. Flares were not measured because of inconsistent appearance (some subjects had no flares, but all subjects had some wheal reaction). The wheal was measured by adhesive tape applied to the forearm, which when removed retained the outline of the wheal. The longest and shortest wheal diameters were averaged and these values were used to compare allergen reaction before and after treatment with the various botanicals and doses. 

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