Pollen allergies: How filtration can help against bad air quality and allergens

Allergens in the air make it difficult for many people to breathe. In Europe, more than 60 million people suffer from allergies. In Germany alone, allergies affect one in three people – and the trend is rising. In particular, severe pollen allergies massively reduce the quality of life of those affected.

This is where air filtration from MANN+HUMMEL can help. Our products reliably remove pollen, fine dust or animal hair from the air. The additional function in FreciousComfort and FreciousPlus filter elements also inactivates free allergens before they are released. As a result, our pollen filters can significantly reduce the concentration of allergens indoors and the burden on allergy sufferers.

• For ventilation systems: our high-quality ePM1 particle filters trap pollen in the filter. The Airpocket FreciousComfort and Carboactiv Cube FreciousComfort air filters also inactivate free allergens and prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
• For mobile air purifiers with activated carbon filter: the HEPA-H14 filter element.
• For cars, buses and trucks: biofunctional cabin air filters, which are also available in the independent aftermarket under the brand MANN-FILTER FreciousPlus cabin air filter.

Allergens are substances that can trigger allergies in sensitive people. One of the main triggers is protein, which is found in foods such as cow's milk or eggs, but also in many allergens in the air. From animal hair and molds, to mites, dust and pollen: if allergy sufferers are exposed to these particles (especially over a long period of time and in high concentrations), the risk of an allergic reaction increases – the best-known of which is probably hay fever (or allergic rhinitis).

Allergy sufferers can avoid allergens in food relatively easily. But we all need to breathe. Whether in cars or buses, schools or offices, factories or restaurants, private homes or public buildings, airborne allergens are not just an outdoor problem. It might seem counterintuitive but allergen concentrations can be particularly high indoors.

Constant exposure to allergens over time can lead to a hypersensitive immune system response. An annoying seasonal pollen allergy can even develop into more severe diseases like allergic asthma. Many other factors such as genetic predisposition, stress or hygiene can contribute to the development of allergies. Depending on the pollen weather, pollen allergies may appear as early as February or March (known as early bloom allergies). The peak season is in April, May and June, but pollen allergies are a year-round problem. Increased air pollution and climatic changes around the world play an important role in the pollen calendar, contributing to higher pollen counts. What used to be considered a spring phenomenon is now experienced even in the fall, as massive pollen counts in September or October are quite common in many regions. Many people also suffer from hay fever in winter as high levels of pollen in the air can get trapped in clothes, curtains or carpets.

Nasal congestion, skin rash, sore throat, itchy eyes: during pollen weather, pollen allergies make life difficult for children and adults. The solution is to reduce or avoid contact with allergens as much as possible. However, when it comes to allergies to airborne pollutants, this is difficult to achieve – at least without appropriate air filtration.

To improve air quality and protect pollen allergy sufferers and others from airborne allergens, we’ve developed air filters for a wide range of applications. Our solutions remove irritants such as animal hair, dust, pollen or mites from the air, ensuring indoor spaces where allergy sufferers can breathe easily. By reducing the amount of pollen in the air our filters ensure that the body is not constantly exposed to high levels of allergens which can help prevent pollen allergies developing.

Whether in HVAC systems or for vehicle interiors, our air filters are effective against pollen, dust and other allergens thanks to three layers that reliably protect against different threats:

• The particle filter layer filters out the smallest particles such as fine dust or pollen.
• The activated carbon layer removes unpleasant odors and harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides or ozone during use.
• The biofunctional layer has an anti-allergenic coating that deactivates allergens with natural polyphenols. This antimicrobial coating also protects against the growth of bacteria and mold on the filter media. 

We are constantly developing new filtration solutions that protect people from fine dust, pollen and other airborne allergens, making life easier for allergy sufferers. Are you interested in effective protection against poor air quality? Do you want to protect your family, friends, guests or employees from allergens, viruses, bacteria or harmful gases? Get in touch with us! Together we will find the right solution.