The research
Indoor air pollution is one of the most common problems addressed by allergists and is troublesome for their patients. Central vacuum systems often are recommended for removing pollutants. Researchers at the University of California at Davis set out to determine whether a central vacuum system can relieve allergy symptoms.

The findings
Unlike conventional vacuums that can recirculate dust, a Beam system removes dust, mites, pollen, animal dander and other allergens, and is superior to a conventional vacuum in providing relief from allergy symptoms.

Study results were published in an article entitled "The Influence of a Central Vacuum System on Quality of Life in Patients with House Dust-Associated Allergic Rhinitis", which appeared in the Journal of Investigational and Clinical Immunology*. The study was conducted under the auspices of Stanley M. Naguwa, M.D., and M. Eric Gershwin, M.D., both of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA.

Patients who used central vacuum systems rated the severity of itchy, watery, sore and swollen eyes 61 percent less than the baseline and 60 percent less than when they used a traditional vacuum.

Patients who used central vacuum systems rated the severity of sleep symptoms including difficulty getting to sleep, waking up at night and lack of a good night's sleep 44 percent less than the baseline and 49 percent less than when they used a traditional vacuum.