The Role of AHPCO Technology in Reducing Allergic Rhinitis Cases As Air Purifier, Surface Sterilizer and Ice Maker Sterilizer

Abstract

FEBRUARY 2015 AB70 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 225 The Role of AHPCO Technology in Reducing Allergic Rhinitis Cases As Air Purifier, Surface Sterilizer and Ice Maker Sterilizer Nabarun K. Ghosh, PhD, Constantine K. Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, Jeff Bennert, PhD, CTN, Griselda Estrada, MS; West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, Allergy ARTS ACCR, Amarillo, TX, AIR OASIS, Amarillo, TX. RATIONALE: Fifteen year’s aeroallergen data that we collected using a Burkard Spore Trap showed a steady increase in aeroallergen concentration in the Texas Panhandle area. Data showed a strong correlation with the allergy and asthma cases that have doubled since 2007. We developed a novel AHPCO or Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation technology to produce filter less air purifiers, surface sterilizer for cell phones and in meat processing facilities and in ice makers to reduce contamination. METHODS: We analyzed the daily aeroallergen by using the coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Exposed, stained Melinex tape was observed under a BX-40 Olympus microscope. We developed and assessed the AHPCO Technology for potential uses as air purification unit, surface sterilizer and net reduction of bacteria, fungi during food processing. Petri dish culture, meat blocks, fruits were placed in the chamber to assess the capacity of sterilization. Images were captured with FITC, TRITC Filters with a BX40 and SZ-CTV Olympus Microscopes and SEM. RESULTS: A fluctuation and gradual shift in aeroallergen index with the warmer climate and a shift in flowering seasons were noticed that contributed the increased allergy cases. AHPCO Technology produces negative ions that can be successfully applied in devices to reduce indoor aeroallergen and bacterial contamination in food processing and ice makers. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental factors contribute to a high concentration of aeroallergen that led to increased allergy cases among the residents of Texas Panhandle. AHPCO Technology can be successfully used in air purifiers, food processing and in ice makers in reducing contamination.