Abstract Detail

Economic Botany Section

Ghosh , Dr. Nabarun [1], Guzman, Alicia [1], Saadeh, Constantine [2].

A survey on the Aeroallergen Index of Texas Panhandle and an AHPCO air purifier that reduces symptoms of allergy.

Analysis of aeroallergen indices of Texas Panhandle for the last twelve years revealed that the peak season for pollen has been shifting gradually. Recently an article on Amarillo-Globe-News reported that the rate of Amarillo residents suffering from asthma has increased since 2007 and is twice that of Texas, according to a University of North Texas study. We have been analyzing the daily aeroallergen index of Texas Panhandle for more than a decade by using the coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. The research was done to determine if any correlation existed between the aeroallergen indices and incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis cases and to develop a technology to reduce the aeroallergen and VOC concentrations in an indoor environment. We determined the aeroallergen index regularly by microscopic observation on coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap using a BX-40 Olympus microscope with a DP-70 Digital Camera. We correlated the aeroallergen indices with daily temperature, precipitation, peak wind speed and clinical studies established from Allergy A.R.T.S. Clinical Research Laboratory in an effort to aid in diagnosis of mold and pollen-related allergies. Major pollen grains are short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), various types of grasses (Poaceae), hairy sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus) and lambs quarters (Chenopodium album). Early flowering shifted the seasonal allergy months and duration. Global warming with increased CO2 concentration exerted widespread impacts on the biotic system. Many places experiencing warming effect associated with global climate change including longer growing seasons and early arrival of spring (Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change 2001). The temperature change affecting the start dates of the C. japonica pollen season is particularly relevant in the context of human health. Clinical data collected from the AARTS clinic showed that there were more patients suffering from allergic rhinitis during the months of March to June. 4 years back the peak aeroallergen season was May to September that has gradually shifted to March-June in 2007 and so as the frequency of the patients visiting the Allergy Clinic. We evaluated the efficiency of an air purifier that uses AHPCO (Advanced Hydrated Photo Catalytic Oxidation) technology to reduce the aeroallergen and VOC concentrations. Experimental data reveal that the AHPCO Technology reduces the indoor aeroallergen and VOCs by producing the negative ions and superoxides. The negative ion air purifiers had a positive impact on patients’ health that reduced the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and respiratory ailments.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Air Quality, Aeroallergen Index

1 - WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2403 Russell Long Blvd., Canyon, TX, 79015, USA
2 - Allergy A.R.T.S., Research and Development, 6842 Plum Creek Drive, Amarillo, Texas, 79124, USA

Keywords:
Aeroallergen Index
Index of Air Quality.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEN004
Abstract ID:1125