Thursday, September 25, 2008

Breathe Smog? Report Says You’re More Likely to Die Early.

According to a recent report released by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, people who are exposed to high levels of smog, even for as little as a day, have an increased risk of premature death.

The committee leading the research concluded that even short-term exposure to ozone can exacerbate lung conditions, causing illness and hospitalization and can potentially lead to death.

The Bush administration has resisted stricter standards on smog, and maintains there is no evidence to support this report.

Ozone is the primary ingredient of smog and is created from nitrogen oxide and organic compounds released from car engines and other fossil-fuel-burning sources. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts point to the fact that these primary ingredients of smog have long been proven to be a health risk.

“These toxins are proven to increase the risk of respiratory problems, especially in children and the elderly,” said biochemical engineer and AllerAir IAQ Expert, Karen Hand. “This fact alone is reason enough for people to be proactive about protecting their health, and the health of those that they love.”

Hand says high-quality air purifiers are providing protection to many North American families who are concerned about the effect of poor indoor air quality.

For more information on the dangerous effects of smog, or for more information on high-quality air purifiers, contact one of AllerAir’s Indoor Air Quality Expert at 1.888.852.8247 or visit their www.allerair.com website.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Oahu, Hawaii Copes with Unwelcome Visitor as VOG Continues to Compromise Air Quality

Vog, or volcanic smog, emanating from erupting Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has blanketed Oahu, 200 miles to the northwest.

Residents of Oahu are experiencing what those living on the Big Island have long complained of: itchy eyes, sore throat and even respiratory difficulty—- all as a result of vog.

A representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told the Hawaii County Local Emergency Planning Committee that there has been a vast increase in the amount of hazardous substance released from Kilauea volcano.

"We were surprised by the extent by which [the effects] could be felt," Janet Yocum, the EPA's onsite coordinator.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir have been hearing plenty from Hawaii residents. “We've established ourselves as the experts in carbon, and we have a proven proprietary blend of carbon designed specifically to adsorb sulfur dioxide gas(S02)which is what is being emitted from the Kilauea volcano,” said Gershon Katz, an IAQ Expert with AllerAir. “The feedback from Hawaii residents has been very positive.”

Residents of Hawaii are invited to call an AllerAir IAQ Expert at 888 852 8247 for more information of the AirMedic VOG air purifying unit and the dangers of vog exposure.

The increased amound of vog in the Hawaii area is due to a new vent that was created at Halemaumau crater. It spews thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide gas on a daily basis, which can cause breathing difficulties and respiratory illness. The gas can also aggravate heart disease.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Oahu, Hawaii Bathed in Vog; Air Quality Plummets

For a second day in a row, Oahu has been bathed in volcanic smog, or vog, causing the air quality in the area to plummet. Once thought only to be a problem for the Big Island, vog has now become a nuisance for local Oahu residents and visitors.

Indoor Air Quality Experts agree with state health officials who say that short-term reactions to vog may make it difficult for people with respiratory conditions to breathe.

“Without a doubt, residents of Oahu are going to notice a big difference in their air quality,” said Indoor Air Quality Expert, Gershon Katz. “We knew when air purifier sales in the Big Island sky rocketed that vog had become a critical problem. We have a feeling that many Oahu residents will be looking for this same relief very soon.”

AllerAir Industries, an air cleaner manufacturer, has responded to this specific demand by creating the 5000 VOG, an air purifier designed specifically to protect people from the dangers of vog exposure. For information on these air purifiers, call 888-852-8247.

Volcanic smog is formed when sulfur dioxide and other pollutants from an active volcano react with oxygen, moisture, dust and sunlight. This creates a dangerous mix of airborne chemicals, gases, odors, fine particles and toxic metals that can penetrate deep into the lungs and irritate the tissues and mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and throat.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Classes Cancelled at Two Conception Bay South Schools Due to Mold: St. George’s Elementary and Frank Roberts Junior High Affected

St. George’s Elementary and Frank Roberts Junior High, in the Long Pond neighborhood of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland have been temporarily closed to rectify a mold problem that has caused poor air quality in the two schools.

Complaints of unusual smells led to the identification of mold around classroom windows.

Health Canada along with Indoor Air Quality Experts warn the potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures may include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints—- especially in school children.

“Mold is a serious problem requiring both carbon and HEPA filtration to filter live mold spores, dead decaying fragments of mold spores as well as the dangerous mycotoxin gases mold produce when under stress,” said Indoor Air Quality Expert, B.Chem. Eng. Karen Hand. “Activated carbon is the safest and most effective method for adsorbing these harmful pollutants.”

When handling mold situations, Hand recommends the incorporation of air purifiers—especially when dealing with schools, where air quality is critical to the health and success of school children. “The school board will need to contact Indoor Air Quality Experts to discuss a customized air purification plan for the affected schools,” said Hand.

For more information on air purifiers and mold in schools, contact AllerAir at 888-852-8247.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Far West Water & Sewer Company and H & S Developers Sued for Air Quality Violations in Yuma County, Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has filed a lawsuit against Far West Water & Sewer Company and H & S Developers, seeking penalties totaling up to $25,000 per day for repeated air quality and water violations in Yuma County, Arizona.

There are a total of 50 counts against the two companies and this is not the first time action has been taken against these companies for putting corporate profits ahead of public safety.

AllerAir suggests Arizona residents incorporate air purifiers into their homes and businesses to ensure the air they breathe indoors is superior to that found outside.

The Dorm Dilemma: The Top 10 Solutions to Clean Dorm Air

They’re finally off to college, and you’ve got them settled into the dorm—- perhaps their very first home-away-from-home. The cleanliness of the dormitory is probably not up to your standards, but did you know that dorm rooms are also notorious sources of mold, allergens and airborne chemicals? What many students and their families don’t realize is that the result can be much more serious than a case of the sniffles.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that poor indoor air quality can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. Airborne menaces can also seriously compromise a student’s health -- especially if the student already suffers from allergies or asthma.

Old buildings, poor air circulation, dirty carpets, used mattresses and uncontrolled humidity all contribute to the terrible air quality found in most dorms, not to mention the general apathy on the part of many students towards keeping their rooms clean and allergen-free.

The Top 10 Solutions to Clean Dorm Air
Students and their parents need to take a proactive approach to clearing the air. Here are a few strategies to consider when moving into a dorm:

10. Request a Smoke-free RoomThis is a must for those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions. A letter from a physician to the school may also help your chances of landing a “clean” room.

9. Cover the Mattress
A mattress protector that completely encases the mattress will offer protection from the 100,000 to 10 million dust mites living inside it…not to mention their fecal droppings.

8. Vacuum the Carpet Often
A tough sell for many students, but necessary to keep allergens at bay. There are several compact models now available with HEPA filters for maximum protection.

7. Avoid Air Fresheners and Chemical Cleaning Products
When chemical products and artificial scents are used in small, poorly ventilated spaces there is a high probability that people in those spaces will inhale those chemicals. Chemical exposure, even at low levels, can trigger allergies and asthma attacks and may lead to long-term health problems.

6. Green Plants
A cheap and simple solution is to fill your dorm room with green plants that help to absorb your home-away-from-home’s off gassing.

5. Fresh Air
Open the windows as much as possible, if even just for a few minutes in winter.

4. Use a Dehumidifier
Moist conditions favor mold growth. Try using a dehumidifier, especially in warmer climates.

3. No Shoes Inside!
Don't wear shoes in your dorm room. They can drag in a lot of nasty airborne particles from the street.

2. Don’t Overheat
High temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. If you can control the temperature in the dorm, don’t overheat—put on a sweater!

1. Choose the RIGHT Air Purifier
When you consider the amount of allergens, airborne toxins and odors likely to be lingering in the air, an air purifier is an absolute must for any dorm room. The key is choosing the right air purifier. Make sure to select a unit that has both a medical-grade HEPA filter for particles, and a separate activated carbon filter for chemicals, mold mycotoxins and odors. A HEPA alone can’t remove chemicals and odors-–it’s designed only for particles.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir say following some of these guidelines, plus incorporating a HEPA & granular carbon air purifier will make an incredible improvement to the indoor air quality in your child’s dorm room.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Diesel Exhaust and California Air Pollution; Air Purifiers a Must for Polluted State

One of the worst states to live in, in terms of pollution, is California. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts agree: if any state should be worried about its air quality, it is indeed this one—- and if any residents should use air purifiers, Californians should.

A new report released this week by the South Coast Air Quality Management District found diesel exhaust was the key driver for air toxics risk, accounting for more than 80 percent of the total air toxics risk in the overall Southern California area sampled. In areas where there is more truck traffic, the air quality is significantly worse.

A separate report issued by Cal State Northridge researchers states that particulate concentrations are on the rise in the east end of the San Fernando Valley.

California also has the worst rate of soot pollution in the United States, according to a 2006 report released by an environmental group.

The air quality reports and alerts that focus on California are abundant. Karen Hand, B. Chem. Eng and IAQ Expert with AllerAir says, “People who live in California must take measures to ensure that the air they breathe when they are indoors is at least safer than the air outdoors—- and that’s not necessarily the case if you don’t have an air purifier in your home.”

Hand recommends air purifier units like AllerAir’s Air Medic+ Exec, that combines a HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles, with a deep-bed carbon filter for additional protection against dangerous airborne chemicals.

For more information on air purifiers, you can contact any of AllerAir’s IAQ Experts at 888.852.8247.

Cook, DuPage and 12 Other Illinois Counties Below EPA Air Quality Standard

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 14 Illinois counties, including Cook and DuPage, do not meet air quality standards for fine particles, more commonly referred to as soot.

Exposure to soot can be associated with heart or lung disease and premature death, according to the EPA. The particles can also lead to bronchitis, asthma attacks, heart attacks and other ailments.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts (IAQ) at AllerAir agree that fine particles are extremely dangerous, and are recommending that the Illinois counties that are below EPA air quality standards incorporate air purifiers into their homes and businesses.

Air purifiers are becoming the standard in relatively healthy homes across North America, but they are an absolute must in states like Illinois where the air in many of the counties is simply unfit to breathe. This is going to be especially important for children, the elderly and people with respiratory difficulties.

To speak with an Indoor Air Quality Expert about the dangers of fine particles, common indoor air pollutants or the benefits of an air purifier, call AllerAir toll free at 888.852.8247.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Knoxville, Tennessee Deemed Asthma Capital of the World; Poor Air Quality to Blame

According to a 2008 Asthma and Allergy Foundation report, Knoxville is the asthma capital of the world—- due in great measure to the poor air quality in East Tennessee. Ozone and particulate matter are the two greatest contributors to air pollution in the area.

Mark Wenzler, the director of clean air and climate programs with the National Parks Conservation Association told knoxnews.com that people should pay close attention to air-quality alerts because “even healthy people could be impacted due to ozone”.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir agree with Wenzler, adding: “People who seek refuge indoors, especially in places like Knoxville, where pollution is very high, often don’t realize that indoor air is often times much worse than outdoor air,” said Karen Hand, an IAQ specialist with the company. “We have many customers in East Tennessee, and our recommendation is always the same: get an air purifier for your home—- it will make a world of difference, especially to asthma sufferers.”

To speak with an Indoor Air Quality Expert at AllerAir, you can call toll free at 888 852 8247 for a no-obligation consultation.

Friday, September 05, 2008

27 of Ohio’s Counties Below Federal Air Quality Standard

The State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has a proposed plan to bring its counties into compliance with the federal air quality standard for particulate matter. Meanwhile, 27 Ohio counties remain below acceptable standards.

The plan contains national, state and local controls to improve air quality, including: lower emissions from coal-burning power plants, additional controls on diesel-powered vehicles and enforcement efforts.

To address the tiny particles (about 1/30th the diameter of a human hair) that lodge deep in human lungs, Air Quality Experts are recommending Ohio residents, especially those in the affected Ohio areas (Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton-Springfield, Canton, Steubenville-Weirton, Marietta, Wheeling, Huntingong-Ashland), incorporate air purifiers into their homes.

Ohio residents are invited to speak with one of AllerAir’s Indoor Air Quality Expert at 888-852-8247.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for New York State

Due to high levels of ozone and high levels of particulate matter, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions of New York state for today, September 4, 2008.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts are reminding New York state residents that indoor air is affected as well as outdoor air. Residents should use fans to circulate air, and air conditioners if necessary.

Since people spend up to 90% of our time indoors, it’s essential that the air we breathe is clean — especially when an Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued, IAQ experts say. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory difficulties.

Residents living in areas experiencing an Air Quality Health Advisory are invited to call 888-852-8247 to speak to an IAQ Expert to receive information on how an air purifier can remove dangerous particles and chemicals from indoor air.

Air Quality Alerts Continue to Spread Throughout United States

Air quality alerts are spreading throughout the United States, with recent warnings in Charlotte and Hickory (NC), Richmond (VA) and nearly a dozen East Tennessee counties.

Officials say the warnings mean that people who are sensitive to air pollution, like children and the elderly who are active outside, should avoid spending much time outside in the afternoon.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts recommend that people with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments should also be careful-- even indoors. “The air inside your home is often worse than the air outdoors,” said IAQ specialist, Karen Hand, B.Chem. “The encouraging news is that there are proactive approaches to ensuring the air we breathe indoors is clean.”

Today, those proactive approaches include the incorporation of air purifiers into homes and businesses, with the goal of removing particles, as well as toxic chemicals, gasses and odors.

Karen Hand works with a team of IAQ experts at AllerAir, and, along with her team, is available to North Carolina, Virginia, and East Tennessee residents who have been affected by the air quality alerts. To speak to an IAQ expert, call 888-852-8247.