Using Airshowers to Decrease Laboratory Animal Allergy

Abstract

Airshowers may be an effective way of removing allergens from the clothing and uncovered skin and hair  of personnel, but the optimal shower time and air speed for this use have not been elucidated. The aim of  this study was to test the effect of differences in clothing type, shower time, and air speed on the efficiency  of allergen removal by airshowering. In general we found that as air flow rate or shower time increased,  so did allergen reduction. When tested in a real-life situation, the airshower removed more than 98% of the  allergens from the shoulder area of personnel and more than 87% of the allergens from the thigh area. In  addition, the allergens remaining after airshowering were not spread when protective clothing was  removed. Factors such as clothing type, air speeds, and showering time need to be considered when establishing  standard operational procedures for the use of airshowers.