Allergies are common in the his part of the world, with dust allergies being amongst the top culprits due the sandstorms that overtake the gulf. We spoke with Dr Emad Arafa, allergy expert on behalf of Dyson Arabia to find out how can we tackle this issue, and reduce the risks.
How do these common allergy inducers in dust contribute to flare-ups of allergies and asthma symptoms? Are there any specific triggers that people should be particularly cautious about during the sandstorm season?
One of the key things I see time and time again with patients who come to my clinic is dust allergies, which are one of the biggest asthma triggers for residents of the UAE. With sandstorms being a significant factor in the Gulf, the air quality in the UAE may not be the best for breathing and that means many people have allergies that are easily triggered.
If you have allergies, things like mould, dust mites, and pet dander are treated like bacteria and viruses in your body. Ongoing exposure to it can impact the health of people with asthma and those who are allergic or sensitive to mites. These allergens can trigger mild to severe allergic symptoms and can be responsible for asthma attacks. A mild case may cause an occasional runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.
Based on the study’s findings, what are some effective strategies or preventive measures that residents can adopt to minimize the impact of dust-related allergies during the sandstorm season?
In addition to limiting time spent outside on dusty days and keeping windows and doors shut at home and in the car, proper household cleaning is the best defence against allergens. If you have allergies, you should vacuum your home regularly with a closed-system vacuum cleaner, launder linens often, deep-clean carpets, and wash floors to reduce triggers. Cleaning the air using an air purifier with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and carbon filters, such as the Dyson Purifier, is also helpful. Meanwhile, getting air conditioners deep cleaned by a specialized company once a year can make a big difference to indoor air quality.
What advice would you give to individuals who have allergies or asthma and are worried about their health during the dustier season? Are there any specific products or technologies that can help alleviate their symptoms?
While many people assume that if dust and dirt is picked up then the problem is solved, but this is not the case. Vacuum cleaning is pointless without thorough filtration. There are many vacuums that release some of what they pick up back into
the environment through poor filters or loose seals. This will be regularly inhaled during the vacuuming process. Dyson’s innovative floorcare technologies trap dust inside the machine and expel cleaner air back into the environment. How clean that air is is determined by the vacuum’s filtration system, whereby filter design, airflow pathways, and machine sealing work together to ensure the dust that is sucked up is not expelled back into the air. The Dyson V15 Detect is Dyson’s most powerful cordless vacuum, featuring fully sealed, whole-machine HEPA filtration system with illuminated cleaner head technology to reveal hidden dust.
In light of the study’s results, do you believe there is a need for increased awareness and education about common allergy inducers in the dust? If so, how can individuals and communities be better informed about these allergens and their potential impact on health?
Yes, absolutely. Awareness of what can be found in household dust is low. Dyson’s global dust study identified that only 39% of people in Saudi Arabia and 40% in the UAE are aware that viruses and bacteria can be present – alongside other nasties, including dust mite faeces, skin flakes, and pet dander. If people are more aware of what’s in their dust and how it can be spread around the home, they can better focus their time and attention when cleaning to support their wellbeing.
As for increasing awareness, specialised organisations, pharmaceutical corporations as well as companies that manufacture products aimed at improving air quality provide a wide variety of online resources to educate the public on the topic.
What would be your overall message to residents who are concerned about allergies and asthma flare-ups during the dustier season? What steps can they take to protect themselves and create a healthier indoor environment?
I would like to encourage people to think about what can reside in household dust, and how that might impact the well-being of their families. While a vacuum cleaner with effective filtration and sealing technology might be more expensive than basic models, people should view such a purchase as an investment in both their and their families health.
Can you tell us how Dyson is supporting with this? What are the new products they are launching?
As an allergy expert, I am always looking for new ways to help people with allergies breathe easier. I am excited to see the new products Dyson is launching to help people with dust and allergies. These products have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people with allergies.
Dyson has three products to help people with allergies. The Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde is an air purifier that removes formaldehyde, a toxic gas that can
trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, the Dyson Zone, which was recently launched in the UAE are wearable noise-cancelling headphones with air purification. They work to deliver purified air to the wearer’s nose and mouth, helping people breathe cleaner air even when they are on the go in outdoor polluted environments. These new products from Dyson have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people with allergies.
