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| 'Ventilation is key to asthma' |
| 08/12/2001 |
A new academic study has shown that better ventilation in homes would help asthma sufferers control the problem. Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have found evidence that aerating homes will counter the dust mites believed to be responsible for the condition. The university team, consisting of engineers, respiratory specialist and architects, set out to prove that ventilation systems reduce the incidence of the allergenic protein found in dust mite droppings that is believed to trigger the disease.
The scientists fitted 28 homes with heat recovery ventilation fans designed to dehumidify the air and make it inhospitable to the mites. After nine months, they found that there was a massive reduction in allergenic protein levels, with a corresponding drop in asthma attacks.
INVESTMENT
Stirling Howieson, the project leader, stressed that the findings prove that a buildings environmental conditions affect the occurrence of asthma. He said, "With an investment of around £500, most homes could become healthy places to live rather than triggering chronic ill health."
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| Reference: h&v news p2 December 8 2001 |
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