Asthma sufferers are all too aware of how even the smallest particles of unfiltered air can cause a severe, life-threatening reaction. For people who live with this condition, their home is their sanctuary. It’s a place where they can attempt to control the environment. But even in the cleanest of houses, outside air can enter through ventilation ducts and gaps within the building carrying dangerous pollutants and natural triggers such as pollen. An air barrier is a critical element in prevention plans aimed at ensuring unfiltered air doesn’t reach those with hypersensitive asthma conditions.
According to the National Asthma Council Australia, over 2 million Australians have asthma – about 1 in 8 children, and about 1 in 10 adults*. The potential
impact that air barriers and draft proofing can have on such a group of people is enormous. By reducing the number of triggers entering the home environment, the frequency of asthma attacks could be potentially reduced, leading to less emergency visits to the hospital and a better quality of life.
There’s a strong link between asthma and allergy – more than 80% of people with asthma have evidence of allergies*. So by reducing the number of allergens finding there way into the home, we can make a real difference to a significant number of people.
*National Asthma Council Australia, 2011.