Abstract Detail

Economic Botany Section

Ghosh, Dr. Nabarun [1], Bennert, Jeff [2], Saadeh MD, FACP, Constantine [3].

Shift in flowering, allergy season and aeroallergen index and AHPCO Nanotechnology to reduce allergy symptoms.

Strong wind current, maximum number of feedlots and dry-land agriculture-- all contribute to a high concentration of allergic cases among the residents of Texas Panhandle. Recently Amarillo-Globe-News reported on rate of Amarillo residents suffering from asthma has increased since 2007 and is twice that of Texas. Global warming exerts substantial effect on flora and fauna. Increasing greenhouse gasses causing accelerated pollinosis and fungal spore production, two major aeroallergens for asthma and allergy symptoms. We have been analyzing 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. 12 years aeroallergen data of Texas Panhandle revealed a gradual shift in aeroallergen index with the warmer climate and a shift in flowering seasons. We assessed an air purifier that uses Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology for net reduction of bacteria, fungi, VOCs with the specific effect on Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA. A fiber glass chamber was built to evaluate the performance and safety of the air purifiers. Blood, Human cell culture and plant cells were exposed to the AO chamber and The UV chambers to compare the exposures. Images were captured with FITC, TRITC Filters with a BX40 Olympus Microscope. Experiments with Air Oasis air purifiers proved that negative ion purification system is a safe and effective means of eradicating aeroallergens such as mold and microbes and VOCs from indoor air. Evaluations on safety measures showed no side effect on human cell cultures. Indoor aeroallergens such as, mold spores, airborne bacteria and animal dander reduced significantly on using the air purification units to improve indoor air quality and alleviating breathing ailments.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
http://homedirs.wtamu.edu/~nghosh/

1 - West Texas A&M University, Department of Life Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2403 Russell Long Blvd., Canyon, TX, 79015, USA
2 - Air Oasis, Research and Development, Amarillo , Texas, 79011, USA
3 - Allergy ARTS, Amarillo , Texas, 79011, USA

Keywords:
Aero allergen
AHPCO Nanotechnology.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEN007
Abstract ID:90
Candidate for Awards:None