Allergen reduction claims bite the dust

Researchers at

North West Lung Centre have found that vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are no more efficient at reducing exposure to allergens than standard models.

The team compared five new high-efficiency vacuum cleaners, using an old previously used one as a control. Tests took place at five homes. Nasal allergen levels were measured when vacuuming, emptying the dust container and when mimicking vacuuming but with the machine turned off.

They took nasal air samples using a specially-designed nasal air sampler (NAS) which fits in the nostrils and contains an adhesive membrane capable of collecting over 90% of particles over the size of 5µm. Allergen levels were determined using a modified immunoblotting and colorimetric detection technique or eluted from the tapes and subjected to allergen-specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

The team found that there was an increase in personal mite allergen exposure during cleaning, with no difference between high-efficiency and regular cleaners. Personal mite and cat allergen increased when the dust compartments were emptied.