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FEBRUARY 2015 AB70 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 225 The Role of AHPCO Technology in Reducing Allergic Rhinitis Cases As Air Purifier, Surface Sterilizer and Ice Maker Sterilizer Nabarun K. Ghosh, PhD, Constantine K. Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, Jeff Bennert, PhD, CTN, Griselda Estrada, MS; West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, Allergy ARTS ACCR, Amarillo, TX, AIR OASIS, Amarillo, TX. RATIONALE: Fifteen year’s aeroallergen data that we collected using a Burkard Spore Trap showed a steady increase in aeroallergen concentration in the Texas Panhandle area. Data showed a strong correlation with the allergy and asthma cases that have doubled since 2007. We developed a novel AHPCO or Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation technology to produce filter less air purifiers, surface sterilizer for cell phones and in meat processing facilities and in ice makers to reduce contamination. METHODS: We analyzed the daily aeroallergen by using the coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Exposed, stained Melinex tape was observed under a BX-40 Olympus microscope. We developed and assessed the AHPCO Technology for potential uses as air purification unit, surface sterilizer and net reduction of bacteria, fungi during food processing. Petri dish culture, meat blocks, fruits were placed in the chamber to assess the capacity of sterilization. Images were captured with FITC, TRITC Filters with a BX40 and SZ-CTV Olympus Microscopes and SEM. RESULTS: A fluctuation and gradual shift in aeroallergen index with the warmer climate and a shift in flowering seasons were noticed that contributed the increased allergy cases. AHPCO Technology produces negative ions that can be successfully applied in devices to reduce indoor aeroallergen and bacterial contamination in food processing and ice makers. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental factors contribute to a high concentration of aeroallergen that led to increased allergy cases among the residents of Texas Panhandle. AHPCO Technology can be successfully used in air purifiers, food processing and in ice makers in reducing contamination.

S A T U R D A Y 238 Aerobiology Of Texas Panhandle and Efficiency Of AHPCO Technology As Air Purifier, Surface Sterilizer In Food Processing Dr. Nabarun K. Ghosh, PhD, Dr. Constantine K. Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, Dr. Jeff Bennert, PhD, CTN, Ms. Griselda Estrada, BS; West Texas A&MUniversity, Canyon, TX, Allergy ARTS ACCR, Amarillo, TX, AIR OASIS, Amarillo, TX. RATIONALE: Allergy and Asthma cases have doubled in Texas Panhandle area since 2007. We have collected aeroallergen samples and characterized for 14 years. We used a novel AHPCO or Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation technology to produce filter less air purifier, surface sterilizer for cell phones and meat processing facilities. METHODS: We have been analyzing the daily aeroallergen by using the coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Exposed, stained Melinex tape was observed under a BX-40 Olympus microscope. We assessed the AHPCO Technology for potential uses as air purification unit, surface sterilizer and net reduction of bacteria, fungi during food processing. A fiberglass chamber was built to evaluate the performance and safety of the air purifiers. Blood, Human cell culture and plant cells were exposed to the AO chamber and The UV chambers to compare the exposures. Petriplates, meat, vegetables were placed in the chamber to assess the capacity of sterilization. Images were captured with FITC, TRITC Filters with a BX40 and SZ-CTVOlympusMicroscopes and SEM. RESULTS: 14 years’ aeroallergen data of Texas Panhandle revealed a gradual shift in aeroallergen index with the warmer climate and a shift in flowering seasons. CONCLUSIONS: Strongwind current, maximum number of feedlots and dry-land agriculture and a gradual shift in flowering season– all contribute to a high concentration of allergic cases among the residents of Texas Panhandle. AHPCO technology proved to be an efficient way to reduce aeroallergen and prevent contamination during food processing.

Rationale This investigation was aimed at analyzing the relationship between the meteorological conditions, diurnal variations and the fungal aeroallergen data of the North West Texas Panhandle and to find the correlation between the aeroallergen index and frequency of allergic rhinitis recorded in the allergy clinic. Methods Daily mold spore count was determined by analyzing the Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Samples were analyzed in every 24 hours and mold spore concentration per cubic meter was determined. The data were correlated with maximum and minimum temperature, daily precipitation and peak wind speed. The daily clinical data were collected from the Allergy A.R.T.S. and were correlated with the daily fungal aeroallergen index. Results The most frequent fungal aeroallergens present during Sept. 2002 to Sept. 2003 were fungal spores like Alternaria , ascospores from Pezizales, Dreschlera , Cladosporium , and Curvularia . Mold spore count had an inverse relationship with the daily temperature. Alternaria conidia were the most abundant component of the dry air spora. We found an association between Alternaria concentration and the cases of severe asthma. Fungal spore concentrations did show more susceptibility to meteorological conditions on a daily basis than did pollen concentrations. Ascomycetes concentrations significantly increased in the hours just following a rain shower. Conclusions We found a very significant correlation between the mold spore concentration and the humidity. A little rain increased the spore count significantly. There was a positive correlation between the number of patients' visits with the increase spore index.