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Positive Input Ventilation Could help Hay Fever Sufferers

Written By Ruth MacEachern14 October 2021

Hay fever is a growing problem in the UK.  In 2020, the number of people searching for information about the condition increased by 20% according to Google.  Recent figures from the Royal College of General Practitioners showed that between 2013 and 2014, the number of people who visited their GP with severe symptoms increased by more than 100%

With people spending more time at home, taking steps to reduce the concentration of pollen indoors has never been more important.  While we all know that better ventilation helps reduce pollen in the house, simply opening the windows is not an option during hot summer days when hay fever is worse as it simply allows more pollen to enter.

Hay fever is generally a problem between March and October.  People may be sensitive at different times of the season depending on the types of pollen which are most prevalent – trees, grasses, and other plants flower at different times of the year – but the peak of discomfort for most people takes place during mid-June.

Reducing Pollen in Your Home

Improved air flow in your home will help to reduce the concentration of pollen that can trigger hay fever, but opening a window simply allows more to enter the building.

Positive Input Ventilation Systems (PIV) gently ventilate a whole home from a single central position.  These ensure good air flow around the house and filter the incoming air to prevent pollen particles entering the house which reduces the risk of hay fever.

Better ventilation also helps to prevent condensation in a home.  Damp caused by condensation is a breeding ground for dust mites and moulds that can also release allergens into the atmosphere.  Around 80% of asthma attacks are caused by the waste products of dust mites and black mould spores cause unpleasant allergic reactions.

Get Help to Avoid Hay Fever Ruining Your Summer

For hay fever sufferers, summer months can be a miserable time, with itching eyes and streaming noses making life unpleasant.  Contact us today to book your free home survey. Our local ventilation specialists can visit your home to provide you with advice about the best solution for your property. Simply enter your postcode in the form below to find a ventilation expert near you.

Meet The Author

A young woman smiling in a friendly way.

Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager & Policy Advisor

With over 10 years’ experience in the building industry, spanning sales, planning, site supervision and product management, Ruth combines strong technical expertise with practical insight.

Holding a degree in Building Control, graduating top of her class and receiving an award for her dissertation, Ruth has worked closely with Building Control Officers on complex, high-risk and post-Grenfell projects, supporting the interpretation of regulations and delivery of compliant outcomes.

In her current R&D role, she helps shape product development, technical guidance and industry education through writing, articles and webinars. Known for her deep regulatory knowledge, Ruth is passionate about raising standards and ensuring ventilation is properly understood, accurately specified and given the priority it deserves.