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Dermatology intensive care unit: Concept and requirements
Published in Biju Vasudevan, Rajesh Verma, Dermatological Emergencies, 2019
While setting up a DICU in a resource-poor setting, there may be constraints in the space, equipment, and manpower, requiring modification of the ideal setup. However, maintenance of asepsis in the DICU is nonnegotiable. The basic structure of the DICU needs to be as sealed as possible from the outer environment. Fumigation of the DICU is done in the same manner as in the operating room and in a general ICU. To maintain sterility, install commercially available portable air purifiers that have HEPA filters that remove airborne particles of 0.3 microns with a minimum efficiency of 99.9% (Figure 3.4). These are much cheaper than the HVAC system.
Indoor Air Quality
Published in James M. Rippe, Lifestyle Medicine, 2019
Anthony C. Campagna, Dhruv Desai
Dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, are arthropods from the class Arachnida that colonize bedding sofas, carpets, and any other woven material within the home. Dust mites are the most common allergen worldwide. They are found infrequently at high altitude, in arid conditions, and in areas exposed to long, cold winters due to low humidity. Aside from causing allergic disease, dust mites do not pose any other risk to human health. Mites, and the debris they produce, are microscopic, absorb moisture from the environment, and feed on dead animal and human skin cells. It is not the mite itself, but its fecal particles, that result in a strong allergic response in up to 26% of Americans.72 Dust mite particles are large and heavy and when dispersed from their source only remain aerosolized for up to 15 minutes, settling very quickly.73 This makes air purifiers such as HEPA filters ineffective with dust mite antigen removal. Although dust mites are found frequently in carpets and upholstered furniture, the most common sources are bed mattresses. Dust mite allergens can worsen preexisting asthma but are not known to directly cause it. Table 52.3 contains control measures that can reduce dust mite allergen burden.
Clinical haematology (and immunology and oncology)
Published in Shibley Rahman, Avinash Sharma, A Complete MRCP(UK) Parts 1 and 2 Written Examination Revision Guide, 2018
Shibley Rahman, Avinash Sharma
Preventing contact with allergens is crucial in treating allergies. At home, use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on vacuums, air purifiers and air conditioners. These powerful filters have the ability to remove any micro-size allergens like pollens or pet dander which may be floating in your home. Also, hay fever sufferers are advised to check pollen and mould forecasts online to see when the counts in a sufferer’s local area are high. When they are, an individual is advised to try to plan activities indoors and limit time outside.
Chapter 14: Prevention and control of tuberculosis transmission in healthcare settings
Published in Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, 2022
B. Lynn Johnston, Toju Ogunremi, Katherine Defalco, Noémie Savard, Stephanie W. Smith
Small HEPA units, either fixed or portable, may be used to filter recirculated air in a room. Portable industrial grade HEPA units, sometimes referred to as Room Air Purifiers with a HEPA filter, are available that can filter air at a range of airflows. The quality of these units must be carefully analyzed by the hospital engineering department prior to purchase and use. Placement of the unit within the room must be specified by this department to ensure laminar airflow distribution and maximize air changes throughout the room. HEPA filters must be installed to ensure that air flowing through the unit cannot bypass the filter. Refer to the CDC guideline for additional details.49
Patterns and predictors of air purifier adherence in children with asthma living in low-income, urban households
Published in Journal of Asthma, 2022
Parisa Kaviany, Emily P. Brigham, Joseph M. Collaco, Jessica L. Rice, Han Woo, Megan Wood, Rachelle Koehl, Tianshi D. Wu, Michelle N. Eakin, Kirsten Koehler, Nadia N. Hansel, Meredith C. McCormack
Measures to reduce indoor air pollution include environmental control practices such as household smoking bans, use of electric heaters in lieu of gas heaters, and use of air purifiers (HEPA filters). Specifically, HEPA filters can reduce concentrations of indoor PM and reduce asthma morbidity (10–13). Prior work investigating the efficacy of air purifiers among children with asthma living in Baltimore City found that the use of home air purifiers reduced indoor PM2.5 by about 50%, and was associated with significantly more symptom free days (12). These findings highlight the health benefit of air purifiers in asthma treatment.
Impact of non-drug therapies on asthma control: A systematic review of the literature
Published in European Journal of General Practice, 2019
Matthieu Schuers, Anthony Chapron, Hugo Guihard, Tiphanie Bouchez, David Darmon
The use of air purifiers in living rooms and children’s rooms was assessed in several studies [16–22]. A meta-analysis of air filtration reported an association with fewer symptoms, but none of the trials had employed validated scales to measure outcomes [18]. Two RCTs showed a reduction of symptoms in inner-city children [16] or on the use of unscheduled asthma visits in children exposed to second-hand smoke at home [17]. Systems using ionizers or dehumidifiers were not effective [21,22]. Adapting bedding as the sole measure to reduce exposure to dust mite allergens showed no positive effect on asthma control [23–25].