A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder shows that using UV light can significantly reduce airborne allergens, providing a potentially transformative tool for those suffering from allergies.
Imagine being able to switch off troublesome allergens with the flick of a switch. According to groundbreaking research from the University of Colorado Boulder, using UV light to neutralize airborne allergens might soon make that dream a reality.
Researchers from CU Boulder have discovered that a specific wavelength of UV light can effectively inactivate airborne allergens within just 30 minutes. This discovery provides relief to those suffering from allergic reactions caused by pets, dust mites, mold and pollen.
“We have found that we can use a passive, generally safe ultraviolet light treatment to quickly inactivate airborne allergens,” first author Tess Eidem, a senior research associate in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, said in a news release. “We believe this could be another tool for helping people fight allergens in their home, schools or other places where allergens accumulate indoors.”
The study, published in August in the journal ACS ES&T Air, sheds light on a new way to handle allergens that are notoriously difficult to eliminate through traditional cleaning methods.
Current solutions like vacuuming, air filtering and regular pet bathing often fall short and are hard to maintain over time. But this new approach could revolutionize how we combat allergens, making indoor environments healthier and more breathable.
Unlike bacteria and viruses, allergens such as the protein Fel d1 from cat dander cannot be simply “killed” because they aren’t alive.
“After those dust mites are long gone, the allergen is still there,” Eidem added. “That’s why, if you shake out a rug, you can have a reaction years later.”
However, by altering the structure of these proteins with UV light, they become unrecognizable to the immune system, effectively preventing allergic reactions.
The research team utilized UV222 lights, which emit a 222-nanometer wavelength safe for occupied spaces.
This type of UV light was shown to alter the structure of allergens, unlike the more intensive UV light used in hospital settings, which can pose risks to skin and eyes.
The experiment involved pumping microscopic allergens into a 350-cubic-foot sealed environment and exposing them to the UV222 light.
After 30 minutes, the allergens’ structure had changed enough that immune system antibodies could no longer recognize them, resulting in a reduction of airborne allergens by 20% to 25%.
“These are pretty rapid reductions when you compare them to months and months of cleaning, ripping up carpet, and bathing your cat,” Eidem added, highlighting the revolutionary potential of this method.
Currently, UV222 lights are commercially available mainly for industrial antimicrobial purposes, but the future may see more portable versions designed for personal use. Such devices could be a game-changer for allergy sufferers, providing respite in various environments, from homes with pets to dusty basements.
Given that nearly one-in-three adults and children in the United States suffer from allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this research could significantly impact public health. Allergies are a leading cause of asthma attacks.
“Asthma attacks kill about 10 people every day in the United States, and they are often triggered by airborne allergies,” added Eidem. “Trying to develop new ways to prevent that exposure is really important.”
Source: University of Colorado Boulder