DOMICILIARY AIR FILTRATION UNITS, SYMPTOMS AND LUNG-FUNCTION IN ATOPIC ASTHMATICS

Air infiltration units (AFUs) incorporating a high efficiency particul ate air filter are theoretically able to remove almost all potential a irborne allergens. This may have implications for subjects with allerg ic lower respiratory disease. AFUs were placed in the living room of 1 2 atopic asthmatics, and the internal filters were inserted and remove d in a double-blind fashion. No difference in subjective symptom scori ng, spirometry or bronchial reactivity was demonstrated. Peak expirato ry flow rate (PEFR) variability was significantly improved from baseli ne readings, and there was a trend towards higher mean PEFRs when the filters were present in the AFU. Trends towards lower levels of airbor ne micro-organisms were also demonstrated when the filters were presen t, however no effect upon total airborne dust and airborne Der pI coul d be demonstrated.