Children exposed to mothball chemicals at risk of cancer

Chromosomal damage shown after exposure to common pollutant naphthalene

Children may be exposed to naphthalene through traffic
exhaust, mothball fumes, smoke, paint and more.

Naphthalene is a common air pollutant that may have damaging effects in children.

Exposure to high levels of naphthalene is linked to a higher risk for chromosomal aberrations (CAs), which in turn have been associated with cancer, according to researchers from the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) and other scientists.

One of the primary sources of naphthalene is from household mothball fumes, but children may also be exposed through automotive exhaust and tobacco smoke. Even paint fumes, cooking and heating have been identified as sources.

Naphthalene belongs to a class of air pollutants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The researchers followed 113 five-year-old children that are participating in a larger cohort study in New York City and assessed their exposure to naphthalene from urine samples.

They also measured chromosomal aberrations and translocations in the children. The researchers will keep following the children to get a better sense of the long-term consequences of naphthalene exposure.

However, the study already shows how vulnerable children are to carcinogenic air pollutants, the senior author says.

The study’s findings are published in the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Source: Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health

Air purifiers for cleaner, healthier indoor air

AllerAir's activated carbon + HEPA
air purifiers.

When it comes to young children and other vulnerable groups, a clean indoor environment will go a long way in reducing exposure to harmful pollutants and carcinogens.

We all spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, yet many indoor environments are still marred by indoor air pollution.

Choosing healthier and more natural products and materials, making sure that the home is well ventilated and the right type of air purification will help provide cleaner and healthier air.

AllerAir offers portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter and HEPA filtration as well as optional UV germicidal lamps to remove airborne chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, particles, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

With one of the most extensive product lines on the market, AllerAir has a personalized and specialized unit for virtually any indoor air concern.

From general purpose units to whole home air purifiers and chemical and odor air purifiers with specialized types of carbon, contact AllerAir to find the right unit for your needs.
  

VIDEO: Causes and health effects of indoor air pollution

This is an oldie, but a goodie. The information in this public service announcement still holds true and is even more important today.

The video talks about indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, which is a part of countless household products (including insulation, cosmetic products and carpets, for example), perchloroethylene (the dry cleaning fluid perc that builds up on dry-cleaned clothes) and other fragrances and chemicals.

Some solutions to think about include:

• Using non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and baking soda
• Letting houseplants like Aloe vera and Boston fern help clean the air
• Running a complete air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA continuously on a low setting to remove the widest range of contaminants, including chemicals such as formaldehyde and perc, particles, dust, pollen, odors, bacteria, viruses and molds.

Want to know more about indoor air quality concerns and user-friendly solutions? Contact AllerAir today.

Are your children exposed to radon in schools?

Schools and other buildings can expose occupants to radon.

National Radon Action Month may be over, but the invisible threat is a year-round problem.

The naturally occurring radioactive gas also does not care where or when it accumulates, so it may be present in homes, government buildings or schools at higher than acceptable levels.

Since one building can have high levels of radon while the one next to it doesn’t, experts recommend testing every home and building for radon. The best time for testing is the winter.

Radon enters buildings through cracks and fissures in the foundation or other opening in the building, and it can accumulate indoors.

The gas represents a health hazard when someone is exposed to high concentrations over a relatively long time (several decades). In fact, radon contributes to 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

In order to protect children from radon exposure in schools, some administrations are taking action.

The English Montreal School Board last year sent out a letter to the schools informing them of a new radon detection program instigated by the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS).

New Health Canada guidelines lowered the acceptable levels of radon in the ambient air. In schools where radon concentration exceeds 200 Becquerel’s per cubic meter, which represents the maximum “safe” concentration under the new guidelines, remedial measures have to be taken.

In January 2012, radon detectors were installed in schools, which will be removed in the spring to be analyzed in a laboratory.

According to a Radio-Canada report from Jan. 30, the ministry of education decided to test all of Quebec’s primary and high schools for radon.

It’s a preventive measure, officials say.

School boards are required to test all their buildings for radon. The deadline for completion is July 1, 2014.

Mitigation techniques include special venting systems that vent the radon outdoors, sealing the cracks and fissure on the floor and more.

Radon is not the only indoor air quality issue affecting schools and school-aged children. To learn more about indoor air pollution and possible solutions, contact an AllerAir IAQ expert today.
 

Clean air a must for vulnerable groups

Air pollution can be detrimental for
children and people with asthma.

In a recent Boston Globe article, Dr. Megan Sandel was interviewed about asthma and air pollution.

The associate professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston Medical Center says that air pollution outdoors is something individuals may not be able to influence at all and are at the mercy of regulations and standards imposed by the state – even though air pollution is one of the main factors in respiratory health and cardiovascular health.

Air pollution is especially important when it comes to vulnerable groups like children, people with asthma and the elderly.

Outdoor air needs to be regulated by laws like the Clean Air Act, Dr. Sandel says, and indoor air pollution can also be irritating for these vulnerable groups.

Main irritants include volatile organic compounds, which are organic chemicals emitted paints, carpets or pressed wallboard, especially when these products are new.

Breathe the best air indoors

While outdoor air pollution is often out of our control, many people can make significant improvements to their indoor air quality – without having to break the bank.

It starts with simple steps:

• Avoid introducing new pollutants as much as possible. This includes cleaning with natural cleaning agents such as vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals, ditching scented products and air fresheners, banning smoking indoors, etc.
• Ventilate the home. Maintain the HVAC system and change the filters regularly. If possible, open the windows regularly and use fans to move the air around.
• Watch the humidity level. Use the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to reduce humidity levels and run a dehumidifier if needed. Better ventilation will also help.
• Use a portable air cleaner. Only a complete air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon plus HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration will be able to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants. Carbon adsorbs airborne chemicals, gases and odors; HEPA traps up to 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns in size and UV helps neutralize bacteria, viruses and mold. Find the right air purifier for your specific indoor air concerns by speaking to IAQ experts before making a decision.

There are many other actions you can take to improve the indoor air quality in your home or office. For more information, contact AllerAir at 888-852-8247.
 

Need better IAQ? Get organized!

A well-kept and decluttered home can be
soothing and better for your health.

Indoor air pollution poses a serious public health risk, according to agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Airtight construction, plug-in air fresheners, scented products and candles, high humidity and other indoor air concerns can pollute the indoor air in normal households.

One of the best ways to get the indoor air quality at home under control is to get organized.

Clutter is a bad idea – it can harbor dust, mold and pests and make it difficult to clean and air out the space.

Having a lot of stuff takes up space, makes it hard to find things and can be demoralizing.

A rule of thumb is – if you haven’t touched it in years, then it should probably go.

According to one professional organizer, a lot of stuff can have the following effects:

• Increase particle and chemical emissions into the air
• Become a breeding ground for mold
• Become a nest for rodents
• Affect a person’s health and well-being

By contrast, an organized home is easier to keep clean, reduces stress about finding things and gives people the ability to focus on more important things like family, career etc.

Source: CDA Press

Clean your space – and your air!

A well-kept home should be free of bad smells and pollutants. AllerAir offers portable and powerful air purifiers for general purpose air cleaning as well as specific IAQ concerns, including mold, tobacco smoke, allergy and asthma.

The air purifiers consistently feature more relevant filtration media than other units on the market, especially when it comes to activated carbon, the most important filter media for chemicals, gases, odors, fumes and mold mycotoxins.

AllerAir air purifiers can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants with their multistage filtration system containing deep-bed activated carbon filters, HEPA filters, UV germicidal filtration and pre-filters.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Keep your indoor air clean this winter

Keep an eye on the state of your home for best IAQ.

Poor indoor air quality can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms – it has been linked to headaches, itchy eyes, nose and throat, respiratory issues and disease, heart disease and even cancer, to name a few complications.

But there are many simple things homeowners can do to avoid a heavy buildup of indoor air pollutants, which can be two to five times worse than outdoor air pollution, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Keep your floors clean
Take off your shoes in the garage or right after entering the home, but first wipe them on mats outside. If you can, remove carpets from the home (they are difficult to keep clean) and instead rely on hardwood or ceramic floors, which can be cleaned easily. Use natural cleaning products, and wet mop regularly.

Keep dust on furniture and windows to a minimum
When cleaning a home, these areas are often forgotten, but they harbor dust and particles just as much as other surfaces. Wipe leather or vinyl furniture as well as blinds regularly and vacuum upholstered furniture – or better yet, use slip covers and wash them regularly along with curtains.

Clean the air with air purifiers
Indoor air pollution can arise from many factors, including dust and tiny particles, chemicals and gaseous pollutants (odors), mold, bacteria and viruses and more. A good air purifier should be able to tackle these main categories of pollutants, but they need different filters for that. Most department store air purifiers rely heavily on HEPA filters to remove dust and particles, allergens and other small particles. Insist on an air purifier with HEPA, PLUS a deep bed of activated carbon for the removal of gaseous pollutants and odors and possibly UV germicidal filtration, which can neutralize contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Use the best technology
This is a no-brainer. For vacuuming, use a unit with a HEPA filter (and other filters, if possible, my new one also has thin activated carbon filter, which won’t do much but can’t hurt when vacuuming). For air cleaning, invest in a high-quality, personalized air purifier that will actually help reduce indoor air pollution, not add dangerous toxins.

Check your HVAC system
The existing heating and ventilation system is an important tool in maintaining healthy indoor air. Regular check-ups, filter changes and other measures may be in order to make sure it functions properly.

Air out the home (even for short periods)
In many parts of the world, it gets really cold in winter, causing people to seal up their homes and keep all the air inside. While airtight homes do conserve energy, indoor air pollutants can also build up with no way to escape. Short bursts of fresh air by opening windows or doors can help move the air around and ventilate the home.

AllerAir Industries is committed to raise awareness about indoor air pollutants and helping people achieve a cleaner, healthier home with customized, multistage air purifiers that feature activated carbon + HEPA + optional UV air filters. Contact AllerAir for more information.

The Christmas tree debate

Christmas tree - is real or fake better?
Photo by mr_wahlee

Christmas trees are nice to look at, but every season, homeowners have to make a decision whether to go the real or the fake route.

With the green movement taking roots, many people are trying to base their decision on the least impact on the environment.

Here are some facts on real and artificial Christmas trees:

Real Christmas trees

• Freshly cut holiday greens support local farms
• Get into the holiday spirit: make it an outing to go and pick your own tree
• A cut tree can easily be recycled into mulch 
• Greenest option is a potted tree which can be transplanted outdoors
• Trees sometimes harbor mold or insect concerns

Artificial trees

• Manufactured from artificial materials
• Often produced and shipped from overseas facilities
• Made with PVC plastic , which can off-gas lead, cadmium, dioxins, phthalates and other toxins
• Can’t be safely recycled
• Storing it for a long time can lead to dust and particle concerns

Source: Daily Journal    

Get the gift of good IAQ this year

The holiday season should be a time of cheering, not sneezing and sniffling. In many cases, improved indoor air quality can be a big factor in determining a person’s sense of health and well-being.

Most indoor environments are plagued by indoor air pollutants such as chemicals (and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs), gases, odors, bacteria, viruses, mold, particles and dust.


Apart from source control (i.e. choosing less toxic products) and good ventilation, an air purifier with activated carbon + HEPA + optional UV can help reduce the count of indoor air pollutants and help clean the air around the clock.

AllerAir offers general purpose air purifiers like the 5000 Exec as well as specialized air purifiers for IAQ concerns such as allergies and asthma, mold, MCS, tobacco smoke and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

A great idea: State grants that help address health hazards in homes

Almost all homes have some kind of
indoor air quality concern.

The Minnesota Department of Health has awarded a quarter of a million dollars to seven health agencies in order to reach out to homeowners about health hazards in the home.

The initiative hopes to raise awareness of common indoor health hazards such as:

• Lead
• Radon
• Indoor air pollutants such as tobacco smoke

The funds are supposed to support local efforts  to encourage prevention activities as well as providing guidance and support.

The program builds on another initiative that is already addressing lead poisoning prevention for people moist likely to be exposed.

It was expanded because many homes that have one type of health hazard also suffer from other indoor air pollution issues, officials say.

The grants are set up to help target high-risk population groups, including young children, low-income and minorities, the elderly and areas with high levels of radon or lead hazards.

The local agencies that received a grant will set up healthy home networks in their communities consisting of professional staff, community members and other members.

The goal is to raise awareness of indoor air quality issues and to help people get healthy homes for a healthy population.

Source: Echo Press

Air purifiers for better indoor air quality

Portable room air purifiers from AllerAir

AllerAir has helped people address their indoor air problems for more than 15 years.

With general purpose air purifiers as well as specialized air treatment systems for IAQ concerns such as

• Odor and chemical control
• MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity)
• Mold
• Allergy and Asthma
• Tobacco smoke
• And more

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Dust storms result in more ER admissions

Dust storms pose a risk to people with chronic lung disease.

Over the past few months, news reports have often focused on extreme weather events – and dust storms were part of that.

While dust storms are often seen as affecting motorists the most by causing unsafe driving conditions, researchers warn that they may also affect people with chronic lung conditions.

A study published in the journal Respirology shows that emergency hospital admissions rise in the aftermath of dust storms for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The study, focusing on dust storms in East Asia and Southern China, found that dust storms caused by wind-blown dust from Northern China can carry high concentrations of coarse particles with a diameter from 2.5 to 10 micrometers.

The researchers looked at data collected between 1998 and 2002 and found that two days after dust storms, there was a significant increase in emergency hospital admission due to COPD. The increase in risk was 5%.

The findings show that people with chronic lung diseases need timely warnings in order to avoid exposure to air pollution during dust storms, the researchers say.

Source: Wiley-Blackwell press release

Dust outside? Keep indoor air clean

Once dust and tiny particles are airborne, they can stay in the air for a long time and find their way indoors through windows, doors, cracks etc.

AirMedic Series: Powerful
particle and chemical air filters.

After a dust storm, experts recommend changing HVAC and car air filters to make sure they can cope with the higher pollutant count, and an indoor air purifier with HEPA can help keep the indoor air clean.

However, it’s not only dust people need to worry about. Indoor air pollution also comes from chemicals and gases from common household products and building materials, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir offers complete air purification systems with activated carbon + HEPA + UV (optional) to remove the widest range of contaminants from the ambient air.

Check out our general purpose air purifiers, air filters for mold and air purifiers for allergies and asthma.

For more information, contact AllerAir and speak to one of our air quality experts.

Asthma and allergy alert: Dusty and moldy holiday decorations

Many people look forward to the holiday season – not only because of the gifts, but also because of the food, the festive decorations and the stunning lights.




But storing the decorations and lights for almost a year can lead to a buildup of dust and mold, experts warn, so this time of year can be challenging for asthma and allergy sufferers.

In fact, storing decorations in the attic may even cause them to be contaminated by asbestos dust, a mesothelioma awareness group says.

Many homes were built with asbestos-containing materials in the 20th century and an estimated 33 million U.S. buildings contain vermiculite insulation tainted with asbestos, the United States Environmental Protection Agency warns.

Asbestos was also a main ingredient in many holiday decorations themselves, including snowflakes. These are not being sold on the market anymore, but heirloom decorations may still be contaminated.

Storing decorations in the basement or garage often leads to dust and mold problems in the home as mold counts go up. Even bringing in a real Christmas tree can trigger allergies or asthma flare-ups.

Experts suggest wearing a mask when handling dusty or moldy decorations, using an artificial tree and storing holiday decorations in a way to minimize dust and mold infiltration.

Air purifiers for mold, dust and other contaminants

When the temperature gets below freezing outside and you turn up the heat and keep the windows tightly closed or even sealed, indoor air quality often deteriorates over time.

Running a portable, powerful air purifier on low 24/7 can help keep the air clean and healthy.

AllerAir’s specialized air purifiers for dust and particles (allergies and asthma), mold and chemical or odor concerns feature many pounds of activated carbon plus HEPA and other filters such as UV germicidal filtration to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

Keep your family safe this holiday season with an AllerAir air purifier. 

Contact us for more information or recommendations.
  

Researchers discover link between radon and skin cancer

The indoor air quality in many North American homes
is affected by radon and other contaminants.

Radon, the naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up in people’s homes, has been identified as a leading cause of lung cancer before – and now a study shows it may also have other health effects.

A new study suggests that a link may exist between radon exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Researchers from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health (part of the Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry) have detected a connection following analysis of data on radon exposure and skin cancer cases from across southwest England.

The link was not evident in the development of malignant melanoma, the most common form of skin cancer, but it was found between areas where high radon concentrations are found and a particular type of non-melanoma skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

"We know that naturally occurring radon is a contributing factor to a small proportion of lung cancers, but there is limited evidence of other health implications,” says the study’s lead author Dr. Ben Wheeler.

“These findings suggest that the issue of radon and skin cancer deserves a much closer look and we're planning to develop a more detailed study capable of detecting a direct relationship, if one actually exists.”

Health effects of radon exposure

Radon exposure has been linked to
lung cancer and now skin cancer.

EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related.  Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. 

According to EPA, two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer.

“These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Former Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division.  “We know that radon is a carcinogen.  This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”

EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Indoor air quality at home

Radon is just one of many contaminants that can lead to poor indoor air quality and health effects.

Most North American homes, especially those with airtight construction and poor ventilation, suffer from indoor air contaminants such as chemicals and gases (like VOCs from cleaning agents, fragrances and building materials), particles and dust, mold, bacteria and viruses.

Using low-VOC products, natural cleaning agents and increasing ventilation all help to improve indoor air quality, but another easy and effective solution is a powerful home or office air purifier with activated carbon + HEPA.

AllerAir air purifiers

AllerAir’s portable air purifiers can remove the widest range of pollutants with its multistage filtration system.

The deep-bed activated carbon filter removes many gases, odors, chemicals and fumes, while the medical-grade or micro-HEPA traps tiny particles and pathogens. Pre-filters take care of larger particles and dust and protect the other filters’ lifespan.

For general purpose air purifiers or specialized units like MCS, Allergy and Asthma, Odor and Chemical Control, Mold and Tobacco Smoke, visit our website or contact AllerAir directly: 888-852-8247.  
  

Signs of poor indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality can affect all
household members.

Now that winter is coming, we are getting ready to spend even more time indoors, so we should make sure that we are breathing the best possible air at home and at work.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a home has an indoor air quality problem, but there are few clues that you should consider:

Condensation on the windows

If windows need to be toweled dry often because they steam up and the water is running down them, it usually means that the house is sealed too tightly and that there is not enough ventilation.

Just as the humidity gets sealed indoors, so do the other indoor air pollutants such as VOCs (organic chemicals), particles, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Experts recommend using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen whenever possible, opening a window regularly and using a dehumidifier.

An air purification system with carbon and HEPA can also remove pollutants such as chemicals, particles, mold, bacteria and viruses and help move the air around as well.

'Cold' symptoms that won’t go away

If you have watery eyes, a dry and itchy throat, headaches and trouble breathing and your symptoms last longer than a typical cold, then your indoor air quality may be too blame.

Feeling stuffed up?
It may be the IAQ in your home.

Your body may be reacting to the chemicals and VOCs that are introduced into the indoor air environment by building materials, paints, harsh cleaning products, scented air “freshening” products, personal care products, electronic equipment, combustion appliances like gas cook stoves and more.

The best way to ensure better indoor air quality is source control. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or renovation materials that are high in VOCs, opt for natural alternatives whenever possible and simply be aware. Even small, simple steps make a difference.

Many of these concerns can also be mitigated by increasing the building’s ventilation and using an air cleaner with activated carbon and HEPA.

A musty odor in the home

If you come home and are taken aback by a musty or foul smell, then you should try to find the cause. If it’s not the garbage that needs to be emptied, it may be mold.

Check your home’s humidity levels, plumbing and identify possible leaks and make sure that there is no mold in your home. If you find some, follow the right steps to remove it (if it is not too big) or hire a company for the remediation.

Prevent mold from growing by fixing any leaks or water damage right away, drying all the affected areas (mold can start growing after 24-48 hours of excessive humidity) and keeping the indoor humidity level low.

Want to find out more about indoor air filtration systems? Contact AllerAir directly or take advantage of our online model and sizing guides to find the right model for you.
  

Vendor of the Week: GreenHome.com

It is rewarding to work with vendors that care about a healthy lifestyle, quality products and green choices.

AllerAir is fortunate to supply many such vendors and proudly presents the online eco-store GreenHome.com as Vendor of the Week.

Based in San Francisco, California, GreenHome.com offers
a wide range of environmentally friendly home and business products that help consumers reduce their environmental footprint and the toxicity in their home or office.

Apart from heavy duty air purifiers like AllerAir’s 5000 Exec (general purpose air cleaning) and 5000 DS (for tobacco smoke), GreenHome’s offerings include products that help consumers improve their indoor air quality:

• Home safety tests: These include an indoor air quality test kit that focuses on particle concerns such as mold, pollen, dust, dander, bacteria and carcinogenic fibers, an EMF detector and water conservation kits. Sometimes it’s better to find out about an IAQ problem first, especially if you suspect them to affect your health and well-being. We hope they get a test kit for airborne chemicals soon, too!
• Environmentally friendly heating and cooling products that can help keep the home warm and ventilated, including home energy conservation kits, exhaust fans and a solar-powered attic fan
• Green and non-toxic home improvement products such as finishers and sealers, adhesives, flooring, paints and stains as well as polishes and waxes. Many dangerous fumes and VOCs come from these types of products, so it is great to see much safer alternatives here.
• Non-toxic cleaning products: Indoor air pollution is also often tied to chemical-laden cleaning agents. Green Home has a variety of natural, enzyme-based cleaners that won’t add harmful contaminants to the indoor air.
• Organic mattresses and futons: Department store mattresses contain chemicals and flame retardants that can off-gas into the room – the ones available on Green Home contain 100% organic fibers and natural materials.

This list could go on, of course.  GreenHome.com also offers weekly special offers, which you can find on their home page.

This week, Nov. 14-21, you get a free pack of pre-filters if you buy an AllerAir air purifier from GreenHome.com. The pack includes eight pre-filter replacements – a value of $60 - $100 (depending on the model you choose)!

AllerAir's 5000 and 6000 Series:
Air purifiers for the home & office

AllerAir’s activated carbon and HEPA filtration system plus UV (optional) makes it easy to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants – including VOCs, chemicals, particles, dust, allergens, pollen, bacteria, viruses, mold spores and mold mycotoxins as well as persistent odors.

Happy browsing!

Related blog posts:

• 7 common allergens in your home and what to do about them
• Ominous world record: Pregnant Californians have the highest level ever recorded of banned chemical
• The science of dust particles

Allergies continue in winter weather

Winter allergies are often caused by
poor indoor air quality.

Usually, people with allergies tend to take a breath of relief when the pollinating season is over or when the first frost brings relief from irritating mold spores.

But the colder weather also means people are spending more time indoors – and indoor allergies are on the rise, especially in combination with asthma.

Allergic symptoms or headaches can often be traced back to exposure to indoor air pollutants such as dust and dust mites, pet dander, smoke, household sprays and chemicals as well as gas fumes.

Even mold growing on indoor plants, Christmas trees or decorations may become a problem for those suffering from allergies.

The experts recommend

• Keeping the indoor humidity level low (below 35 percent) to help prevent mold growth
• Using the bathroom and kitchen fans when showering, taking a bath, cooking and boiling water to get rid of the humidity and odors
• Cleaning regularly with a HEPA vacuum to decrease particles, dust mites and pet allergen levels
• Replacing furnace filters every two to three months
• Washing bed linens and night clothes in hot water to kill dust mites
• Banning plants from the bedroom
• Minimizing contact with pets like dogs and cats and keeping them out of the bedroom
• Removing dust from holiday decorations and the tree

Source: Farm and Dairy

Remove allergens from the indoor air in your home

A multistage filtration system removes
the widest range of pollutants.

Tired of the stuffy feeling you get after being indoors for too long?

An air purifier does double duty – it cleans the ambient air and it moves the air around, so you can always breathe easier.

AllerAir’s air purifiers can be moved from room to room and they feature the most effective filter combination with activated carbon, HEPA and UV (optional), removing indoor air pollutants such as chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, mold spores and mold mycotoxins as well as bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir has developed a number of air purifiers specifically for allergies and asthma.

Not sure which one is for you? Check out our sizing and model selection guides or contact AllerAir directly.

VIDEO: Pesticides and indoor air quality

Health effects of pesticide exposure

The "cide" in pesticides means to kill, but many people are still using potentially harmful pesticides in their home.

The chemical substances can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and long-term exposure can damage the kidneys and other organs.

Watch the video by IAQ TV for more facts and information.



Worried about airborne chemicals and odors in the home?

A portable air purifier with activated carbon + HEPA + UV (optional) offers the most enhanced protection from indoor air pollutants.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

7 common allergens in your home - and what to do about them

Allergies affect millions of people.

How many people suffering from allergies do you know?

Chances are, a lot of them.

With about 40 million people being affected by indoor or outdoor allergies, the growing phenomenon has become the fifth leading cause of chronic illness and is now big business for the healthcare industry: The estimated annual cost of allergies in the US is $7 billion.

Indoor air quality can play a huge role in people’s exposure to allergens that cause a stuffy nose, nasal discharge, itchy and bloodshot eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, cough, wheezing and/or tightness in the chest.

Indoor allergens often find their way into airtight homes and get trapped, meaning they can cause irritation to allergy sufferers all winter long.

Here are some tips on how to deal with common household allergens, courtesy of Rapid News Network:

Dust

• Remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys (better: blinds, leather or easily cleanable furniture)
• Replace carpets with linoleum or wood or tiles
• Mop the floor and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth
• Vacuum regularly with a cleaner that features a HEPA filter
• Use a room air purifier with a HEPA or electrostatic filter

Dust Mites

• Wash all bedding in hot water every 7 to 10 days
• Do not use mattress pads
• Cover mattresses and pillows with plastic covers

Pets can add to the allergen count in
the home

Pet Dander

• Use allergen-resistant bedding
• Bathe pets frequently
• Use an air filter

Pollen

• Be aware of how pollen get indoors: Clothes, hair, ventilation, pets, wind
• Shower or bathe before going to bed
• Avoid going outside on dry, windy days
• Keep windows and doors closed on days with high pollen counts
• Use an air conditioner or air filter

Cockroaches

• Don’t leave food or pet food out
• Seal cracks and holes
• Clean behind areas like the stove and fridge
• Bug bomb twice a year or find natural alternatives

Mold

Clean mold and fix the humidity issues
before it becomes a big IAQ problem.

• Curb the number of houseplants you have
• Clean all areas of the bathrooms regularly
• Remove mold and mildew when you see it (get professional help for big infestations)
• Use the bathroom fan, open doors and windows to increase airflow
• Never put carpet in bathrooms; use mold-proof bathroom paint when renovating

Endotoxins

• Endotoxins come from bacteria living in household dust and can cause or aggravate asthma symptoms. Keep their count low with the same steps as for dust control.

Portable air filters remove allergens indoors

AllerAir's Air Medic Series
and AirMedic+ with UV

AllerAir takes indoor air quality seriously and has designed a number of powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature a multistage filtration system for the most efficient and safe air cleaning possible.

AllerAir offers:

• Air purifiers for allergies and asthma
• Air purifiers for mold
• General air purifiers for the home and office
• and much more

Use our sizing and selection guides to find the right model for you – or contact an AllerAir account executive to assist in the selection process. We care about every breath you take.

Protecting children from lead poisoning

Did you know October 23-29 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week?

Lead poisoning can affect
children for a lifetime.

For children, lead exposure is no laughing matter.

Even low levels of exposure to lead can cause a host of developmental effects such as learning disabilities, decreased intelligence and speech, language, and behavioral problems, which can affect children for a lifetime.

Luckily, parents can protect their children - they just need to know how.

"Lead poisoning can have life-altering health effects, especially on our children. But it is entirely preventable if we take the right steps to protect our children in all the places where they live, learn and play," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a recent news release.

"National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week gives us the opportunity to strengthen our awareness and prevention efforts and ensure parents have the tools they need to protect their children against lead exposure every day of the year."

Avoid common sources of exposure

Children are most often exposed to lead through

• Lead-based paint
• Lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings (built before 1978 and improperly renovated)

Simple ways to help protect your children:

1. Get your home tested. Have your home inspected if you live in a home built before 1978.
2. Get your child tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
3. Get the facts. Visit leadfreekids.org or call 1-800-424-LEAD.

More information on lead poisoning prevention: http://www.leadfreekids.org or http://www.epa.gov/lead

U.S. children using more asthma control meds: Report

Big business: Asthma treatments

Rates of use for asthma control medications have doubled since late 1990s, says federal report

The number of children diagnosed with asthma is growing – and so is the percentage of asthmatic children who use prescription “controller” medicine, according to a recent article by HealthDay.

The findings are based on a federal government report, News and Numbers from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality based on data collected by the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, and they showed that the use of controller drugs by children increased from 29 percent in 1997-1998 to 58 percent in 2007-2008.

The report counted three different types of drugs as asthma controller medications:

• Corticosteroids, which control inflammation and reduce the risk of airway spasms
• Beta-2-agonists, which make breathing easier
• Leukotrienes, which help prevent asthma symptoms from occurring

Asthma medication has become big business: Average annual total spending for all asthma drugs more than quadrupled, from $527 million in 1997-1998 to $2.5 billion in 2007-2008.

When broken down by category, spending for controller drugs rose from $280 million to $2.1 billion, spending for reliever drugs increased from $222 million to $352 million, and spending for oral corticosteroids fell from $25 million to $8 million, the findings revealed.

Source: HealthDay

Control asthma-inducing pollutants with a room air purifier

Indoor air pollution has been shown to cause or aggravate asthma; therefore controlling indoor air pollutants is an important part of dealing with the condition.

AllerAir has designed portable and highly efficient air purifiers for allergies and asthma.

Equipped with a powerful activated carbon and HEPA filter combination, these air purifiers remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants from the ambient air, including chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens, mold and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Protect children and teachers from poor IAQ in educational facilities

Educational facilities are in need of
improved indoor air quality.

With roughly one fifth of the U.S. population spending their days in educational facilities such as schools, day care and child care settings, universities and the like, experts are warning about the effects poor indoor air quality can have on students and teachers.

Studies have linked indoor air pollution with health risks and problems such as asthma, nausea, fatigue, headaches and other respiratory conditions.

By subjecting the student population as well as staff at educational facilities to poor indoor air quality, the polluted air can affect the health and well-being, concentration, attendance rates and student and staff performance.

Be aware of indoor air pollutants

Just because you can’t see or smell something, it doesn’t mean the air is clean.

In fact, any indoor environment will be polluted with biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold, allergens and dust particles, chemical and gaseous pollutants coming from building materials, paints, cleaning agents, inks, arts and crafts materials and more.

Take simple steps to improve the indoor air quality

1. Reduce chemical pollutants: High-efficiency room air filters with activated carbon provide a quick and simple way to remove gaseous pollutants. Switch to low emission cleaning products and avoid introducing more chemicals into the rooms as much as possible.
   
2. Control humidity: High humidity levels can lead to active mold growth and helps mildew, bacteria and dust mites to thrive. Keeping the humidity under 51 percent with the help of dehumidifier systems and using a room air filter with a medical-grade HEPA or UV germicidal filtration can help keep these types of contaminants under control.
3. Counter carbon-dioxide: A lack of proper ventilation and fresh air supply to students and staff has profound negative effects on their ability to concentrate and retain information. Make sure the ventilation systems are adequate, and that an adequate amount of fresh air is introduced into the different rooms.
4. Reduce allergens and asthmagens: A growing number of children are suffering from asthma and asthma-related school absences are common. High-efficiency air purifiers with HEPA and UV germicidal filtration can capture common asthma triggers such as pet dander (brought in on kids- clothing), roaches, dust mites and mold.

Source: Buildings.com

Choose the best all-in-one solution

AllerAir's 5000 and 6000 Series
remove gases, odors and particles.

AllerAir offers high-efficiency, portable room air purifiers with a powerful activated carbon + HEPA filtration system and optional UV germicidal filtration for the most enhanced filter system in the industry.

With a wide range of models and sizes and even larger, industrial air cleaners for universities and schools offered by AllerAir’s industrial division Electrocorp, AllerAir’s product line can meet any educational facility’s needs and requirements.

Call for more information and options: 1-888-852-8247.

Act now for better indoor air quality throughout winter

Indoor air pollution can affect
the whole family.

In order to keep warm and save money, most of us do everything we can to seal up our home during winter.

But while an airtight home saves energy, it also locks in indoor air pollutants that can affect your health and well-being.

Most HVAC systems are contaminated and spread pollutants such as mold, fungi, bacteria and tiny dust particles in the home. A regularly changed filter will help reduce the particles, but it won’t protect residents from the particles and chemicals that are present in the rooms.

In any given indoor environment, the air may be polluted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from building materials, furniture, textiles, cleaning products, personal care products and electronic equipment. Dust is always present in homes, and so are mold spores.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is often five times as polluted as outdoor air.

And when do we spend most time indoors? In the winter, of course.

There are simple steps people can take to improve their indoor air:

• Change the HVAC filter regularly, at least once a year
• Check the HVAC system for contamination, insulation deterioration, a dirty evaporator coil
• Open the windows for short periods of time to let some fresh air in
• Clean regularly with natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda
• Don’t use scented candles, fragrances or commercial air fresheners – they introduce more pollutants into the ambient air.
• Use a portable air purifier in your bedroom or living space – AllerAir’s air purifiers feature the most advanced cleaning system with activated carbon + HEPA that removes chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens and mold.

For cost-effective and efficient general purpose air cleaning, opt for one of AllerAir's popular 5000 Exec models.

For more tips and further information, contact AllerAir at 1.888.852.8247.

Source: Journal Sentinel