BW1092  MAR 08,1999       4:29 PACIFIC      07:29
EASTERN


( BW)(NJ-ENVIRONMENTAL-PROT) Study Shows Typical Household Vacuum Cleaners Emit Millions of Fine Particles Per Minute: EPA Warns Breathing Fine Particles Can be a Health Hazard


    Environmental Editors and Health/Medical Writers

    PRINCETON, N.J.--(BW HealthWire)--March 8, 1999--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that adverse health effects, including aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, and premature death(1) are associated with breathing fine particles. Invisible to the naked eye, fine particles are easily inhaled and can become embedded deep in the lungs. A paper published in the February issue of The Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association (edited by Petros Koutrakis, of Harvard University's School of Public Health), details research conducted by Dr. Paul J. Lioy(2) et al, showing that typical household vacuum cleaners actually emit millions of fine particles per minute. Emission rates from eleven vacuum cleaners were compared and, according to the test results, Dr. Lioy states, "only the Miele vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter located in its sealed system captures hundreds to thousands of times more particles per minute."
    A significant finding of the study is that large numbers of fine particles are generated by the vacuum cleaner motors themselves. The research suggests that even more fine particles are emitted when the vacuum cleaner is actually being used to clean floors and carpets -- home to the most common triggers of allergies and asthma. Since the average American vacuums for about one hour a week, and an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from asthma or allergies that can be aggravated by triggers in the form of fine particles, this new research represents good news for millions of people nationwide.
    Miele, Inc. is a century-old international appliance company that introduced its first vacuum cleaner in 1927. "While other companies were touting air filtration, Miele engineers discovered that filtration alone, including the most efficient HEPA filter, cannot succeed at capturing these dangerous fine particles unless other factors are built into the design," says Miele USA Vice President and General Manager, Nick Ord. "Miele's Advanced Emission Guard(TM) sealed system secures individual compartments and the system as a whole with one continuous, polymer gasket. This ensures that all particles are forced into the filter rather than leaking out. The research proves, undeniably, that our dedication to combining true HEPA filtration with a completely sealed system will protect people from millions of breathable fine particles every minute their Miele is in use!"
    Miele, in conjunction with the nonprofit patient education group Allergy and Asthma Network -- Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN-MA), is also helping allergy and asthma sufferers by providing information on other ways to cope with these conditions. "A high performing vacuum cleaner alone can't rid your home of all allergy triggers," cautions AAN-MA founder and president Nancy Sander, whose organization's literature is now distributed with Miele vacuum cleaners. Consumers can call 1-800-878-4403 to learn more about AAN-MA, or dial 1-800-579-4555 to be connected to the nearest authorized Miele vacuum cleaner dealer.

(1) among sensitive populations such as children, the elderly, asthmatics, and individuals with preexisting heart or lung disease. See EPA fact sheet, "Health and the Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter" at http://ttnwww.rtpnc.epa.gov/naaqsfin/pmhealth.htm

(2) Deputy Director, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, (EOHSI). Professor, Department of Environmental and Community Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

     --30--bh/ny*

     CONTACT: Thacker & Frank PR, Cranbury, N.J. 
              Jan MacLatchie (609) 490-0999, ext. 13
              jmaclatchie@thackerandfrankadv.com
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