D2.410 - Evaluating the Impact of Air Cleaning Devices on Novel Allergens: Silkworm Allergen - Bombyx Mori (Bom m 1)

Silkworm allergen (Bom m 1), the major allergen of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori), is an emerging environmental allergen with significant risks for human health particularly in East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Widely consumed as food or used in traditional medicine, silkworm can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, urticaria, dermatitis and death in severe cases of sensitized individuals. It is also a potential occupational hazard as silk threads are used for weaving silk cloths and particulates can be inhaled, through aerosolization, which is a key factor in triggering respiratory issues like asthma. Evaluating the impact of air cleaning devices can play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality in modern homes and businesses and reduce the impact of novel allergens.

The study outlined previews an initial study of an air cleaning device and its ability to effectively reduce airborne silkworm allergen.

Air Cleaner Testing:

a) The air cleaner was placed in the center of an environmental test chamber conditioned to 20°C (±3 ºC) and 55% (±5 %) relative humidity.

b) Background air samples were collected.

c) 12 grams of Silkworm allergen of particle size <212 micron was introduced into the test chamber.

d) Air samples were collected at the time of dust introduction (time = 0) to assess the initial quantity of Bom m 1.

e) The air cleaner was switched on and additional air samples were collected at timepoints = 15, 30, and 60 minutes to assess airborne silkworm reduction over time.

The % reduction of total airborne particles/m³ in the test runs, with the air cleaner operating, increased from 49% at 15 min to 98% at 30 min and after a 60-minute operating period the % reduction was >99.9% when compared with control runs.

The air cleaner reduced airborne Bom 1 particles in the size range of 0.3 – 3.0 microns, which are most associated with respiratory issues in sensitized individuals. The air cleaner had a marked reducing effect on airborne silkworm allergen above that of natural decay to a point of >99.9% particle reduction after 60 minutes.