Demystifying household chemicals: Phenol

Some of the biggest brand-name cleaning products
contain phenol (and other harmful chemicals).
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

"Demystifying household chemicals" is a series that aims to inform people on the types of chemicals found in and around our homes. The series will be featured every Wednesday where a different chemical, and its everyday uses, will be discussed.

Chemicals surround us all the time and there are always warnings that pop up about this chemical causing terrible side effects or that chemical leading to cancer. It can be overwhelming to keep track of which chemicals are ‘safe’ and which are not. 

Phenol, also known as carbolic or phenic acid, can be quite a complex chemical as it is used in many different fields. It is an aromatic compound, as are some other chemicals discussed in previous posts, and though it can occur naturally, it is predominantly chemically produced.

Normally in solid form, it is often liquefied for commercial use and has a sickly sweet smell. Surprisingly, phenol can be both good and bad for you. 

Good phenol

Naturally occurring phenol is actually good for you. It is made up of a mixture of human and animal waste, coal tar, creosote and decomposing organic materials. Humans even produce and excrete small amounts of it. 

Many different types of food contain phenol.  These foods are antioxidants and are also known to have other protective properties. 

Some fruits containing phenol include cherries, apples, plums and grapes. You can also find phenols in vegetables such as red cabbage, yellow onions, potatoes and celery. For more information on which foods are full of good phenol, visit LiveStrong.

 

Bad phenol

Where phenol gets to be a problem is when it is produced chemically. This chemical ranks among the top 50 chemicals produced per year in the United States, at over three billion pounds.

Worldwide, six billion pounds of phenol are produced every year. It is also a component used to produce bisphenol A (BPA),  the chemical that was recently banned in baby bottles by the EPA. 

Toothpaste contains triclosan, a type of phenol.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Phenol can be found in the following products:

• Mouthwash
• Salves
• Throat sprays
• Paint
• Rubber
• Soap
• Toys
• Cigarette smoke
• Wood-burning smoke
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Lotion
• Cleaning products
• Acne medications
• Sugar substitutes

So what does phenol do to the body?

In large quantities, bad phenol can have devastating effects on both your skin and your internal organs.

Adults working in the manufacturing and petroleum fields may be at risk. Long-term exposure in the workplace can cause heart disease.

Ingesting the chemical in liquid form can cause damage to your stomach and intestines and can even lead to death. Skin contact can cause irritations, blisters and burns.

In lower doses, phenol can cause lethargy and vomiting among kids exposed to disinfectants containing the chemical. 

For more detailed information on phenol, read up on a study done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Do you have any questions about phenol? Post your questions or comments here!

What you can do at home

It is certainly a good idea to pick through your household goods and see which products you can do without.

There are cleaning products out there that are safer for you, your family and the environment.  Other products may be a little more difficult to make do without.

This is why it is a good idea to have an air purifier in your home. With an air purifier that contains an activated carbon filter, you can get rid of noxious fumes and chemicals from your household products.

AllerAir has a selection of air purifiers that cater to different needs; whether it’s for chemical and odor control, tobacco smoke or any other concerns you have with your indoor air quality. Contact us for more information.

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FDA bans BPA in baby bottles and cups

The FDA ban makes a voluntary industry ban on
BPA in baby bottles and drinking cups official.

It was about time: The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that baby bottles and children’s drinking cups could no longer be made with bisphenol A (or BPA).

BPA has received lots of negative press because research has shown that the industrial chemical used in plastic bottles and food packaging is an estrogen-mimicking substance that can affect development.

Growing consumer concern already prompted the industry to stop using BPA in baby products, but the FDA’s decision is making it official.

Industry experts hope the decision will boost a shaken consumer confidence.

About BPA: Endocrine disruptor

The FDA declared BPA safe in 2008, but has voiced concerns about the chemical’s safety since 2010, saying it might affect the brain, behavior and prostrate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

The ban does not extend to BPA in other containers. Plastic items containing BPA are usually marked with a 7 on the bottom, for recycling purposes.

BPA exposure is common – traces of the chemical have been found in urine, breast milk, the blood of pregnant women and umbilical cord blood.

BPA already banned in Canada

The potentially negative health effects have led to official bans of BPA  from children’s products in Canada, Chicago and Suffolk County in New York State.

The FDA ban is a nice gesture, but it doesn’t include the containers of baby formula and many other containers that can expose pregnant women to the chemical, who can pass it on to their babies.

Maybe there will be a more comprehensive ban in our near future.

Source: New York Times

Remove airborne chemicals with carbon + HEPA air purifiers

Avoiding chemical exposures is a priority for many mothers-to-be and health-conscious individuals in general.

Many of the chemicals and volatile organic compounds are in the air we breathe. In order to take these toxic fumes out of the ambient air, an air purifier needs a deep-bed activated carbon filter.

AllerAir air purifiers consistently feature the most activated carbon at the best price, and the air purifiers also come with HEPA and pre-filters for the best overall protection.The most popular general purpose room air purifiers from AllerAir include the AirMedic series and the 5000 series. For baby's rooms and nurseries, the AirTube series has become a favorite.

Not sure which air purifier to choose? Consult our sizing and model selection guide or contact an AllerAir IAQ expert.

Show your support for greener and healthier living by following this blog.

Health study looks at toxic chemical exposure for cashiers

Study examines BPA exposure
in cashiers.

Many teenagers, students or other workers make some hard-earned cash working part time or full time in stores, supermarkets or businesses as cashiers.

But could they be exposed to high levels of a potentially toxic chemical?

Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences want to know if the high levels of bisphenol A, or BPA for short, on the slick receipt paper that many cashiers handle on a daily basis should be a reason of concern.

They are asking cashiers to volunteer to have blood and urine samples to be taken for the study.

What is BPA?

BPA is a common ingredient in durable plastics, like those used to make hard plastic water bottles and to line food cans. Recently, reports have been published about experts expressing concerns that BPA exposure might be much higher than previously thought.

There is some conflicting evidence that BPA can cause developmental damage in children and reproductive problems in adults, but more research is needed.

Some types of thermal paper used in cash registers are coated with BPA, and the chemical easily rubs off onto your fingers when you touch them.

In their new study, the NIEHS team will measure levels of BPA in the blood and urine of volunteer cashiers, said Stavros Garantziotis, who is directing the research.

Testing BPA levels before and after a cashier's shift will show how much BPA was absorbed into a cashier's body while he or she was working.

While there are some alternative paper sources using such substances as bisphenol S, not much is known about the effects of these chemicals, either, the experts warned.

Source: News Observer

Worried about chemical exposure?

AllerAir's numerical series:
Air cleaners for homes and offices

It may be difficult to control the amount of chemicals you are exposed to at work (did you know that office dust contains toxic chemicals as well? Read about it here) but that doesn’t mean you can’t take other measures to protect yourself.

Whether at home or at work, AllerAir’s portable and powerful air purifiers can improve indoor air quality and remove a wide range of chemicals, gases, fumes, particles and other contaminants with their multistage filtration system.

AllerAir offers air cleaners of different sizes and with different filters to make sure you get one that is right for you. For industrial and commercial spaces (as in supermarkets, discount stores etc), AllerAir’s industrial division Electrocorp specializes in odor, chemical and particle control.

Contact AllerAir or Electrocorp today for more information.

How to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Researchers suggest a simpler lifestyle could be the answer

A small population study shows that lifestyle could be one of the most important factors to curb exposure to endocrine disruptors such as BPA and phthalates.

The lifestyle with the best results focuses on fresh foods and limited use of products likely to contain environmental chemicals.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been linked
to adverse health effects, researchers say.

The researchers examined urine samples and individual lifestyle choices of a group of Old Order Mennonite (OOM) women in mid-pregnancy and found that they have much lower concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) than the general population.

The Mennonite community provided a good control group because their lifestyle includes mostly fresh foods, farming without pesticides, no cosmetics and limited use of personal care products.

The scientists compared the data on 10 OOM women in mid-pregnancy with pregnant women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

While more research is needed to confirm their findings, the researchers say that the results show how important lifestyle factors and the home environment are when it comes to chemical exposures.

Why avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals?

Endocrine disruptors interfere with the body’s hormone system.

Recent studies have linked EDCs to adverse health effects such as neuro-developmental delays, behavioral issues and fertility problems.

BPA and phthalates have also been associated with obesity, asthma, allergies and heart disease.

It is next to impossible to completely avoid exposure, since these chemicals can be found in a wide range of household products that contain certain plastics, including

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Toys
• Medical supplies
• Cosmetics

Adopting a simpler lifestyle similar to the OOM women may help reduce exposure, the researchers say.

The study appeared in the journal NeuroToxicology.

Source: The Mount Sinai Hospital

Air purifiers for chemicals and more

The air in homes and offices is often contaminated with chemicals (especially volatile organic compounds, or VOCs), odors and other pollutants such as dust, pollen and mold.

Conventional air purifiers with a HEPA filter are incapable of removing those potentially harmful chemicals and gases, since they can only filter out particulate matter (dust, biological particles, etc).

The best air filtration media for chemicals and gases is activated carbon – and the more carbon there is, the better the filter will be and the longer it will last.

AllerAir specializes in air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA to bring the most complete filtration systems to people’s homes and offices.

By offering different carbon blends and countless options as well as other features (including optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of bacteria, viruses and mold spores), AllerAir promises to deliver a custom-fit solution for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

BPA exposure may have social effects: Study

Is BPA to blame for a lack of friends?

Researchers have linked the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) with a host of bad health problems, including reproductive and developmental effects – but it may affect social behavior as well.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Virginia and University of Missouri found that mice exposed to BPA weren’t as social as other mice.

The scientists injected a dose of BPA into maternal mouse plasma and evaluated their offspring’s behavior. The dose reflected the concentrations that can be found in the blood of most Americans.

Starting with the first generation of offspring – and lasting the next four generations of mice – the BPA-exposed mice weren’t interacting as much with their peers, didn’t want to spend as much time with adult males when they were juvenile males.

Since BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, these results are to be expected, according to the researchers. The endocrine system regulates chemicals such as oxytocin, which helps us trust others. If that system is disrupted, social behavior may be affected.

More research is needed to see if human exposure to BPA produces similar outcomes, of course.

Source: Fast Company

Air purifiers to reduce chemical exposures

Our homes and offices can expose us to a wide range of chemicals and VOCs that are emitted by building materials, furnishings, household products and more sources.

An air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon can help reduce exposure to these chemicals, odors and gases.

AllerAir has developed powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove gaseous pollutants as well as particles, dust, pathogens and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Toxic chemicals found in gardening products

Tools used for gardening or weeding
may contain toxic chemicals.

Indoor air is more contaminated than outdoor air, so spending time outdoors should be healthy, right?

In theory, yes, but for those spending a lot of time gardening, they tools they are using may also expose them to toxic chemicals.

Researchers at the Ann Arbor Ecology Center examined almost 200 gardening essentials, including gloves, knee pads, hand tools and water hoses and tested them for chemicals and heavy metals that are a health risk.

They found that nearly two out of three products they tested contained chemicals levels of high concern, including

• Phthalates
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
• Lead
• Cadmium

Cloth gardening gloves often contain PVC in their grip dots, made with hormone-disrupting phthalates.

Phthalates are used to soften plastics and have been named a concern for pregnant women and children, although anyone should be concerned about exposure because they are disrupting hormone levels, researchers say.

Hand tools may have high levels of lead in the handle and the tool itself.

Garden hoses contain high levels of lead and phthalates that can leach into the water sitting in the hose as well as get into the ground.

The researchers sampled water that had been sitting in a hose and found that it contained 18 times the level of lead that is permitted in drinking water.

Some tips:

1. Look for products that are PVC and lead free
2. Don’t drink out of the garden hose
3. Flush out the water from the hose for a few minutes before watering edible plants
4. Keep gardening clothes separate and make sure you don’t bring any dirt inside

Source: Komo News

Clean indoor air of harmful chemicals and toxins

Even if you spend a lot of time outside, chances are, the majority of your days are still spent indoors, where the air can be polluted with chemicals, particles and biological contaminants.

Choosing the right products, being careful about chemicals in the home, insisting on good ventilation and a powerful air cleaner can all help improve the indoor air quality in the home.

AllerAir has developed portable and highly efficient air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA air filters to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, mold, bacteria, viruses, particles, dust and allergens.

The air purifiers are made with the safest materials and long-lasting filters for maximum protection.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Social status may influence your exposure to chemicals

Rich or poor? Social status may
indicate chemical exposure.

A large U.S. survey shows that socioeconomic status was linked to the type of chemical exposure in people.

Poor people (especially children in need of food assistance) had higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine, while wealthier people had higher levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

The high BPA levels could be explained by the widespread use of canned food in food assistance programs.

Researchers warn that alternatives to canned foods may have to found, or companies may have to adjust their can liners.

Some companies may have gotten the message earlier. Campbell’s Soup recently announced it was moving away from using BPA in their can linings.

The study by Boston University researchers did not address potential health risks associated with these chemical compounds.

However, previous studies have linked BPA with behavioral impacts, development changes, decreased sperm count, higher risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as heart disease.

PFCs have been linked to developmental delays, cancer and suppressed immune responses, among other possible health effects. The chemicals are used to make materials stain and stick resistant.

Source: Environmental Health News

Air purifiers for the home and office

Experts recommend reducing exposure to chemicals whenever possible – whether they come from food or packaging, products or through the air.

AllerAir offers portable and very effective air purifiers with a multistage filtration system to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants and help people breathe cleaner, healthier air.

The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove airborne chemicals, gases and VOCs, a HEPA filter to trap particles, dust and allergens as well as optional UV germicidal filtration to neutralize bacteria, viruses and mold.

Check out AllerAir’s recommendations for general purpose air cleaning, chemical and odor control or other specific indoor air quality concerns.

For more information, contact AllerAir today.
 

Household products filled with hormone-disrupting chemicals: Study

Many household products contain chemicals
that have been linked to health effects.

Researchers have tested more than 200 common household products and found that they contain chemicals linked to asthma and hormone disruption.

The household products included soaps, lotions, detergents, cleaners, sunscreens, air fresheners, cat litter, shaving cream, shower curtains, pillow protectors, personal care products and perfumes.

The study identified 55 chemicals that could affect human health. These included phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens, which can all negatively affect fetuses and young children.

Part of the problem is that these chemicals are not listed on the product labels, meaning that consumers may not even be aware of the exposure, the researchers say, adding that this applies to major brand names as well as alternative products often believed to be much safer.

According to the researchers, companies should be required to provide more complete labeling, so that consumers can protect themselves.

The study, titled Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products, is published in the March 8 online edition of Environmental Health Perspectives.

Industry representatives are warning that the mere presence of chemicals does not mean they are unsafe and that the research on health effects is inconclusive.

In order to protect themselves as much as possible, experts are advising consumers to

• Choose natural (plant-based) products
• Use natural cleaning agents such as water, baking soda and vinegar
• Use less sunscreen and cover up with hats and other materials
• Avoid fragrances and scented products when possible
• Get rid of vinyl pillow and mattress protectors
• Avoid parabens in personal care products
• Use “normal” soap instead of antimicrobial products

Source: Health Day

Reduce airborne chemicals with AllerAir air purifiers

The points above are great starting points for a healthier and more natural living environment. However, many people will still be exposed to airborne chemicals and gases from building materials, furniture, paints, outdoor air pollution and other sources.

AllerAir offers portable and powerful air purifiers with activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, molds and other contaminants from the ambient air.

With many customizable options and different air filters, AllerAir air purifiers can handle virtually any indoor air concern, including

• General purpose air cleaning
• Mold
• Allergy and Asthma
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
• Tobacco smoke
• And more

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Chemicals that make us fat

Even a healthy lifestyle may not be enough
keep the waistline from expanding.

It started as a question by health professionals, researchers and those in the know – are chemicals making us fat?

Is our daily exposure to chemicals playing a role in the obesity epidemic that is rolling over North America?

Now the question has changed from “Are chemicals making us fat?” to “Which chemicals are making us fat?”

In a recent article in the Ecologist, former Ecologist editor Pat Thomas listed a full range of industrial and everyday chemicals that contribute to our midrange expansion. Thomas talks about them in more detail in her book “The 21st Century is Making You Fat”.

Here is a selection of chemicals you need to watch out for:

Bisphenol-A (BPA):  This hormone-mimicking chemicals is found in clear, hard and reusable plastic products and it is also used in dyes, polyester resins, flame retardants and rubber chemicals, among others.

Phthalates: These hormone-disrupting chemicals can be found anywhere in our environment – they are hiding in plastic and consumer products such as hair spray, water bottles and T-Shirts.

Solvents: People can get exposed to solvents  in adhesives, glues, cleaning fluids, felt-tip pens, perfumes, paints, varnishes, pesticides, petrol, household cleaners and waxes. The neurotoxic chemicals in solvents include xylene, dichlorobenzene, ethylphenol, styrene, toluene, acetone and trichloroethane.

Polybrominated flame retardants: It sounded like a good idea to reduce fire risk and add these chemicals to a wide range of household products (think mattresses, computers, TVs, textiles, car seats and more), but they are oestrogen mimics  and can affect the thyroid as well.

Organochlorines: This group contains pesticides (DDT, chlordane, dieldrin and more), industrial lubricants (PCBs) as well as dioxins and chlorophenols. High level exposures can alter a person’s metabolism and stop the fat-losing process.

Other chemicals that can help make us fat include

• Organophosphates
• Carbamates
• Organotins
• Benzo[a]pyrene
• Cadmium
• Lead

Source: The Ecologist

Reduce exposure to airborne chemicals at home and in the office

Portable and powerful room air
purifiers from AllerAir.

Since most people cannot control all of the products they live with or work with, they may be exposed to higher levels of chemicals and gases.

A high-quality air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon can help keep the air clean by adsorbing many of the chemicals, gases, fumes and odors.

AllerAir’s air purifiers feature the most relevant filtration media for the best price, and the complete filtration system also includes HEPA filtration for particles and dust as well as optional UV lamps for the neutralization of bacteria, viruses and mold.

For the best and healthiest air in your home, check out AllerAir general purpose air purifiers, chemical and odor control as well as air purifiers for tobacco smoke.

Contact AllerAir for a personalized consultation and more options.

Boost your well-being by detoxing your life

All the news about air pollution, toxic chemicals and poor indoor air quality is enough to make you hide under your covers for the rest of the winter season (wouldn’t that be nice?).

Household cleaners can pollute indoor air with
harsh chemicals - it's better to opt for natural products.

But homeowners and parents don’t need to despair – there are simple and easy ways to live a greener, healthier, less toxic life that can be implemented right away:

Ditch toxic household cleaners
Many commercially sold household cleaning products are made with harsh chemicals that can add to indoor air pollution and affect people and pets in the home. Experts recommend using green cleaners instead, to read the labels, or to use natural cleaning agents such as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.

Avoid formaldehyde and other VOCs
Volatile organic compounds can be emitted by a wide range of building materials, furniture, wrinkle-free bedding, dry-cleaned clothes and personal care products. Sensitive people can experience health symptoms after exposure, and many VOCs (including formaldehyde, benzene and toluene) have been linked to cancer and respiratory ailments. It’s better to go with natural fibers, look for formaldehyde-free furnishings, low-VOC paints etc. A little research before a purchase can go a long way for a less toxic household.

Opt for organic foods and products
Check out the organic foods section at the supermarket, go to the local farmer’s market or visit the specialized health food stores. The more demand there is, the better the prices will be. If you can’t afford to go all-organic all the time, become familiar with the foods that are most chemical-laden and buy those organic. Check out the Dirty Dozen from the Environmental Working Group.

Pass on plastics
If you can, ditch the plastic food containers and cans and use fresh foods stored in glass. Many plastic containers (especially those marked No. 7) contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to developmental problems, cancers, heart disease and infertility. It is also used in food packaging and can linings.

Some other easy ways to improve indoor air quality at home:

• Ban smoking indoors
• Avoid the use of pesticides in or around the house
• Make sure the house is well ventilated
• Use a portable room air purifier with carbon and HEPA

Source: Spokesman-Review

AllerAir's 5000 Exec:
Powerful air purifier

The best air purifiers for the home and office
AllerAir offers powerful air purifiers with the most activated carbon and the deepest carbon beds at the best price, guaranteed. Activated carbon filters can remove a wide range of airborne chemicals, gases, VOCs, fumes and odors, while HEPA traps particles and dust. For complete air filtration systems for the home and office as well as specialized air purification units (such as allergy and asthma, smoke, mold, multiple chemical sensitivity, and more), visit our website or contact us directly: 888-852-8247.

Report lists hazardous chemicals in toys, household products

Many baby and children's toys contain
BPA, a report shows.

The Environmental Health Strategy Center in Maine has published a report entitled Poison in Paint, Toxics in Toys, which provides information on children’s products containing BPA (bisphenol A) as well as common household products such as paint, cleaning agents, wood finishes and more that may expose residents to NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates).

NP and NPEs are produced in large volumes, with uses that lead to widespread release to the aquatic environment and they are toxic to aquatic organisms., according to EPA.

The report includes more than 650 brand-name children’s products, including Playmobil sets and Chicco baby rattles that contain BPA.

BPA (bisphenol A) has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental effects in animal studies. BPA is used in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer and industrial products including food-can liners, hard polycarbonate plastics, epoxy paints and coatings, and thermal papers, even cash register receipts.

Releases of BPA to the environment exceed 1 million pounds per year.

While low levels of exposure to BPA is considered safe, studies have suggested the chemical may affect the brain, behavior and prostate glands in young children by mimicking the sex hormone estrogen.

The chemical industry is denying  that there are reasons for concern, saying that human safety has not been shown to be at risk by these compounds.

Source: Ann Arbor

Best advice: Reduce chemical exposure

As long as there isn’t foolproof evidence that a certain chemical poses a risk to human health, laws and regulations are slow to reflect growing concerns.

An air purifier with carbon + HEPA can
help remove harmful toxins.

But isn’t it better to be safe rather than sorry?

Common sense dictates that we should avoid chemical exposures as much as possible, by being aware of the risks, choosing more natural products whenever possible, demanding safe products and creating a safe environment in the home.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office can help remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants, including particles and dust, chemicals, odors and gases, bacteria, viruses and mold.

The complete air filter system features activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV light technology and can easily be moved from one room to the next.

For more information, contact AllerAir directly.

Chemical exposure a growing concern among researchers

BPA in baby bottles is one way of exposure for infants.

The industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has been the subject of many studies lately – and the findings have researchers ringing the alarm bells.

The estrogen mimicking chemical was widely used in hard-plastic baby bottles, water bottles and the lining in food and beverage cans, and its widespread use since the 1960 means people have been exposed to it for a long time at low levels.

A 2010 report by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

Canada was the first country to ban BPA use in baby bottles, and several U.S. states have followed suit.

Behavioral issues and BPA exposure

In an ongoing study funded by the National Institutes of Health at the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers are examining the effects of low level exposures on young children.

They assessed the exposure to BPA by taking urine samples from mothers during the pregnancy and from the children at ages 1, 2 and 3. They then assessed the children’s behavior and executive function according to accepted scales.

The researchers found an association between levels of BPA concentrations during pregnancy and neurobehavioral measures at age 3. The children had higher risk of anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional control and behavioral inhibition.

The researchers were quick to say that there are limitations to the study, including a small sample size, and that the clinical relevance of these findings is unclear at this point.

Still, they advised doctors to tell concerned patients to reduce their exposure to the chemical.

The chemical industry, on the other hand, questions the study’s relevancy and says that realistic exposure levels should not pose a risk because of the way the chemical is processed in the body.

Source: Psychiatric News/ American Psychiatric Association

Chemical exposure at home and at the office

Whether it’s during pregnancy or in everyday life – we are unwillingly exposed to a wide variety of chemicals emitted by common household products and building materials.

Experts are worried that even low level exposures over a long period of time can lead to serious health consequences.

Reducing the level of exposure is important, by choosing more natural products over chemical-laden ones, making sure the home is well ventilated and running an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA.

The filtration combination of carbon + HEPA can help remove indoor air contaminants such as chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and molds.

With general purpose air purifiers and specialized air purifiers for MCS, mold, tobacco smoke, volcanic smog, allergies and asthma as well as chemical and odor control, you can be sure to find the right air purifier for your specific concerns.

Contact AllerAir for more information and recommendations.

The link between environmental chemicals and infertility

Millions of couples in the U.S. are infertile
or dealing with infertility, statistics show.

Researchers are trying to understand the many reasons why infertility rates are rising in North America and other developed nations.

Every year in the United States, approximately 6 million women deal with infertility and around 2 million married couples are infertile.

The causes include hormonal imbalances, defects of the uterus, misshapen sperm, low sperm count and low sperm motility, for example.

And new research has just added another potential cause to the list: endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment.

Studies have found higher blood levels of pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), which can interfere with a woman’s ability to get pregnant and reduce fertility.

Chemicals mimic hormones

More than 1,200 chemicals belong to the category of endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic or block hormones, including estrogen, the primary female sex hormone involved in pregnancy.

The researchers warn that even low levels of chemicals such as PCBs affect the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

PCBs and HCB are long-lived pollutants that take decades to break down. That is why even though they have been banned for 25 years or more, exposure in the general U.S. population is still widespread.

Most people are exposed through food, since the chemicals are often found in hard plastic beverage containers, food can linings and traces of pesticides.

To reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, experts advise to:

• Avoid canned foods
• Not use disposable water bottles
• Buy BPA-free plastics
• Avoid animal and fish fats that are high in PCBs

Source: Environmental Health News

Use an air purifier to remove airborne chemicals

Remove chemicals, odors
and other toxins with the
5000 Exec air purifier.

The ambient air in most indoor environments contains dust particles and allergens, but also chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins that are often off-gassing from construction materials, paints, electronic equipment, furniture, cleaning agents and scented products like air fresheners and candles.

An air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of these contaminants and keep the air cleaner and healthier.

Check out AllerAir’s 5000 Exec for powerful, portable air filtration where you need it, or contact us to determine which unit is best suited for your needs.

Keep your baby safe from hidden toxins in the nursery

Exposure to indoor air pollutants may affect babies and small
children most, experts warn.

Almost every home features some building materials, furnishings or products that will off-gas dangerous toxins into the home.

While adults may not be immediately bothered by them, they can affect newborns and small children, who belong to the most vulnerable groups of indoor air pollution, experts say.

The concerns center most on BPA (bisphenol A) exposure and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and more, which come from everyday products such as paint, furniture, adhesives and petroleum-based products.

BPA is a toxic chemical found in plastics, which can be found in baby bottles and toys. Many states and countries have moved toward a ban of the chemical in baby products.

Pediatricians and researchers worry about the effect these chemical pollutants may have on developing bodies, since many of them may mimic hormone functions.

Exposure to VOCs in babies, for example, can change how your body makes blood, cause rashes and respiratory ailments depending on the exposure level.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has warned that VOC levels indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoors.

How to protect your baby from chemical exposure

• Do your research on products and choose natural products as much as possible

• If you need to redecorate the nursery, choose low-VOC or zero VOC paint

• Invest in a high-quality crib mattress – Traditional mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam covered in flame retardants, which are both toxic and off-gas.

• Open windows regularly, one hour at a time, to get rid of unwanted toxins

• If opening windows is not always practical (due to long, harsh winters or outdoor air pollution, for example), use a serious air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filtration to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants. The carbon removes dangerous chemicals and odors, while the HEPA takes care of particles and dust. AllerAir offers small, compact air purifiers for baby's room and small nurseries.

• Beware of brand new items. The “new-car” smell on brand new items is actually an indication that it off-gases toxins into your ambient air. Experts recommend keeping new items in the garage or other place to air out for a while before using it.

• Ban smoking indoors – smoke contains thousands of chemicals and the toxins tend to cling to surfaces, where they pose an exposure risk later, especially for babies and pets who are close to the floor. You can also remove stale odors with one of AllerAir's air purifiers for tobacco smoke.

• Replace harsh chemical cleaning products with natural alternatives. You don’t need toxic chemicals to clean your home. A regular cleaning schedule and natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda will do a great cleaning job as well. The smell of vinegar quickly disappears.

AllerAir specializes in room air purifiers that remove airborne chemicals, odors, VOCs, particles, allergens and biological contaminants quickly and efficiently.

Find out more about our

1. General purpose air purifiers like the popular 5000 Exec
2. Air purifiers for allergies and asthma
3. Air purifiers for mold

Not sure about what you need? Check out our sizing guides or contact one of AllerAir’s air quality experts for a personalized recommendation.

Source: ABC7 Denver News

Consumer concerns prompt states to ban chemicals

Families need to protect themselves
from chemical exposure.

It’s a long-winded path to better chemical protection, but pressure from consumers and public awareness about the dangers of toxic chemicals has caused more U.S. states to ban the use of specific chemical compounds.

This year alone, six states have adopted laws to restrict bisphenol A or phosphate-based flame retardants, watchdogs say.

New York prohibited the use of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate in children’s goods, a plasticizer and flame retardant in polyurethane foams and other polymers, which has been linked to reproductive toxicity concerns.

The chemical off-gasses from plastics because it does not chemically bind to polymers, experts say. The ban will come into effect Dec. 1, 2013 and may inspire other states to follow lead.

Connecticut became the nation’s first state to ban bisphenol A (BPA) not only from baby and children’s products (such as bottles and cups) but also from receipt paper used at cash registers.

Maine, Delaware, California and Maine join eight other states that have banned BPA in baby bottles and cups for young children.

It seems like public pressure is working, and more states may adopt chemical regulations in the near future or copy other states' laws, experts say.

Source: American Chemical Society

Reduce chemical exposure with air purifiers

Official regulations and bans are slow to come into effect, but there are other ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals from everyday household products.

The 5000 Exec is one of
AllerAir's general purpose
air purifiers.

Many airborne chemicals that are off-gassing from building materials, paints, furniture and electronics or other sources can be captured with a portable air purifier for the home and office.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers and specialized air cleaners feature deep-bed activated carbon filters for the removal of chemicals, gases and odors, HEPA filtration for the removal of particles, UV as an option for the neutralization of biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses and pre-filters for larger particles and dust.

We have cost-effective and simple solutions for virtually any IAQ concern, including mold, allergy and asthma, MCS, odor and chemical control, tobacco smoke, industrial air cleaners and more.

Contact us for more information and help to find the right air purifier for your needs.

State law requires companies to report chemicals in toys

The list of "report-worthy"
chemicals contains 66 entries.

Amid a growing number of studies, reports and concerns about the toxic chemicals, synthetics and byproducts in everyday products, the state of Washington has taken a step toward accountability in the toy industry.

A new law requires toy manufacturers to report if how much of toxic substances are contained in their products.

The state has identified 66 chemicals that require reporting, including formaldehyde, bisphenol A and phthalates – plasticizers that can be found in many everyday household products and plastic toys.

State officials especially target the kind of products that are likely to be chewed on or that come into a lot of contact with children and will be sold in Washington.

Large manufacturers, or those with gross sales of over $1 billion, must report to the state by August 2012. The rule will phase in over the next several years for smaller companies, an AP article explained.

Worried about chemical exposure?

The first step to reducing chemical exposure is of course opting for less toxic products, using more natural materials (including cleaning products) and keeping the indoor air clean.

A portable and cost-effective option is an air purifier – but it needs to be a serious air cleaner with a deep bed of activated carbon as well as HEPA.

Many “big box” air purifiers only contain HEPA, which is a great particle filter, but won’t reduce the chemical count in your environment.

For better chemical control, a large activated carbon filter can adsorb a wide range of toxic chemicals and odors, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, VOCs and many others.

AllerAir has developed an extensive product line of high-quality air purifiers for IAQ concerns such as

• allergy and asthma,  
• mold,  
• multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS),  
• tobacco smoke 
• and more.

Contact us to find out more and to get a product recommendation according to your IAQ concern.

EPA wants your input on BPA testing and sampling: Deadline Sept. 26th

They don't make it easy, but if you can manage to wade through the bureaucratic mambo-jumbo, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like your comments on possible toxicity testing and environmental sampling to study BPA’s potential environmental impacts.

BPA (Bisphenol A) has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental effects in animal studies. In 2008 Canada banned the substance from baby bottles and then became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance in 2010. 

The European Union also banned BPA from baby bottles in 2011. The U.S. has subsequently been accused of lagging behind in the BPA debate, potentially putting Americans at risk.

BPA is used in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer and industrial products including food-can liners, hard polycarbonate plastics, epoxy paints and coatings, and thermal papers, even cash register receipts.

Releases of BPA to the environment exceed 1 million pounds per year.

“A number of concerns have been raised about the potential human health and environmental effects of BPA,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

“The data collected under the testing EPA is considering would help EPA better understand and address the potential environmental impacts of BPA.”

In January 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it would further examine potential human health effects and reduce exposure to BPA in the food supply, which represents the greatest source of exposure to people.

EPA is working with FDA, Centers for Disease Control, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences on research under way to better determine and evaluate the potential health consequences of BPA exposures. At the conclusion of that research, EPA will determine if additional actions may be needed to address human health concerns from non-food use exposures.

EPA issued an action plan on BPA in March 2010 outlining possible steps the agency might take to address risks presented by BPA, including testing procedures. EPA’s BPA action plan is available at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/bpa.html.

Comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) must be received on or before September 26, 2011. The ANPR and supporting information can be found in docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2010-0812 on the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov/.

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Would you like to learn more about chemical exposure and how to remove airborne chemicals and odors from your indoor air? AllerAir air purifiers are among the only air cleaners that effectively target airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles with the same machine. We use deep-bed activated carbon filters and HEPA filters to remove more airborne pollutants than traditional air cleaners.

Connect with us to learn more:
Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on Twitter
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Too much BPA in our environment? EPA considers new action

The chemical BPA even shows up on
money around the world.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency asked for public input earlier this week to determine whether it needed to take more action with regards to the widespread occurrence of BPA.

The commercial chemical bisphenol A is an ingredient in many plastics and food-contact resins and has become a concern because people are more exposed to it than previously believed.

“A number of concerns have been raised about the potential human health and environmental effects of BPA,” a Science New article quoted Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. 

Data from the proposed new tests, he said, “would help EPA better understand and address the potential environmental impacts of BPA.”

It may require new toxicity testing and environmental sampling because of a concern that it “is a reproductive, developmental, and systemic toxicant in animal studies and is weakly estrogenic, there are questions about its potential impact, particularly on children’s health and the environment,” EPA notes on the BPA Action Plan website.

Recent animal studies have shown that even low level exposure to BPA can have worrying health effects.

Recent findings include:

• Studies involving mice showed that early exposures — in the womb and up through a period equivalent to puberty — could affect gender-linked behaviors in adults: Males became subtly feminized, and in one instance females appeared somewhat masculinized.
  
• One human study linked higher BPA exposures in the womb to subtly altered gender-specific behavior in toddlers: Girls became somewhat more aggressive than normal; boys more anxious and withdrawn.
•  Low-dose exposures in one study, where mice had been exposed to BPA during fetal development, resulted in later prediabetes when the rodents reached early middle age.
• A 2009 study in mice showed that the uterus of female mice exposed in the womb to BPA became supersensitized to the effects of estrogen in adulthood; a change that the authors said might jeopardize reproduction. (A test-tube study reported by others at the same time — at the Endocrine Society meeting — showed BPA altered the contractile rate of heart-muscle cells, especially in the presence of estrogen).
• Genetic studies using roundworms showed it affected the genes responsible for successful reproduction and could cause sterility.

Source:Science News 

Reduce chemical exposure with portable air purifiers

AllerAir is a leading provider of stand-alone, ultra-efficient air purification systems for the home and office that can help users reduce their exposure to common indoor air pollutants.

Activated carbon or charcoal is the best
medium to adsorb chemicals and odors.

The air cleaners remove a wide range of contaminants by drawing the polluted air through a multi-stage filtration system of ProDense pre-filters, a deep-bed activated carbon filter, a HEPA or Super-HEPA and UV germicidal filtration (optional).

This filter combination removes chemicals, gases, vapors, odors, particles and live contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and molds.

Contact AllerAir today to find the right air cleaner for your needs.

Reducing BPA exposure: It's much easier than you think.

Photo by DAN

Chemicals in your air and even your food...now do something about it!

Long before my mommy friends were on the bandwagon, my tot was carrying around his stainless-steel sippy cup to the odd stares and rolling eyes of parents everywhere.

With concern about BPA now mainstream, I was fascinated by this study by scientists at the Breast Cancer Fund.

They chose five families who tended to eat out, drink out of plastic water bottles, microwave plastic containers and eat canned and packaged food. Then they put them on a diet --- a package-free diet.

For just three short days the families were provided freshly prepared organic meals - no canned food and only glass storage containers.

The scientists evaluated their urine while they ate their typical diets, when they ate the fresh food and then again after returning to their normal eating habits. What they discovered was pretty remarkable.

While the families were eating the fresh-food diet, their BPA levels dropped on average by 60%, some as high as 75%.  When families returned to their regular diets, their BPA levels increased back to the pre-intervention levels.

In addition to the BPA, participants were also tested for phthalates (plastic-softening chemicals that can interfere with reproductive development). Levels of DEHP (a phthalate used in food packaging) dropped by an average of 50%.

"This study suggests that removing BPA from food packaging will remove the number one source of BPA exposure,” said Janet Gray, Ph.D., Science Advisor to the Breast Cancer Fund and professor at Vassar College. “The study should serve as a call to action for industry and government to get BPA out of food packaging and to fix the broken chemical management system that allows it to be there in the first place.”

So what should be on the top of your list to avoid? According to tests, the Breast Cancer Fund found that BPA especially leaches into canned foods that are acidic, salty or fatty. This is their top ten list:

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Interested in learning more about removing chemicals from your daily life? Have you ever considered chemicals and odors in your air? In one study of commonly used household products EVERY one of the 25 air fresheners, personal care products, laundry soaps and cleaning products tested emitted chemicals that are classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws.

Learn more about indoor air quality and chemical exposure. Connect with us:
Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/

Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert

Follow us on twitter

E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247