Studies link lupus to staph bacteria

The staphylcoccus aureus bacteria
may be linked to lupus
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Research recently conducted by the Mayo Clinic points to the possibility that the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (known commonly as staph) may be connected to the development of lupus disease.

In a study using mice, researchers exposed the rodents to low doses of a staph protein over a period of time. The mice developed auto-antibodies and a kidney disease along with lupus-like symptoms, which lead doctors to believe this may also occur with humans.

A little background

Staph bacteria are located all around us. They live on our skin, but are in higher concentrations around moist openings, such as the nose and mouth.  People are only put at risk when there is a break in the skin where the bacteria can get in and cause an infection.

Many of you may have heard of staph infection break-outs in hospitals. Those who are most affected are usually burn victims, people who have a weakened immune system or patients who have undergone surgery. In those serious situations, the bacteria enter the bloodstream resulting in more dangerous infections.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is suspected to be genetic in some way, although why people develop lupus is still very unclear. There are a few different forms of the disease, the most dangerous one being systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. In each of the cases, the body turns on itself by attacking its own tissue and joints. For people with discoid lupus, the skin becomes inflamed, but with SLE, the body can attack the organs.

What the research means

The fact that the mice have reacted to a protein in the staph bacteria may not only help doctors determine what causes lupus, but might also help them keep people from developing the disease. By determining whether or not the disease is caused by prolonged exposure to staph, doctors may help patients avoid flare-ups. In addition, if it is proven that the staph bacteria causes lupus, doctors could keep lupus from developing at all by minimizing exposure to the staph bacteria.

What do you think about this study? Share your thoughts with us!

Source: EurekAlert!

How air purifiers can help

Any of these AllerAir units
(4000, 5000, 6000)
can support a UV filter

Air purifiers can keep the indoor air quality healthy for you and your family.  AllerAir’s units are used for many different purposes, including chemical exposure, odors and particles. But our air purifiers also have a UV germicidal filter option that can help minimize the presence of bacteria and mold in the air. The UV lamp alters the bacteria’s DNA, thereby hindering reproduction.

To learn more about our UV filters or to ask about our different units, contact one of our IAQ experts at 1-888-852-8247 or reach us through our website.

Show your support for a greener and healthier lifestyle by becoming a follower of this blog.

Make your home ‘greener’ with the right renovations

Many home renovation projects can lead to
more energy efficient and healthier homes.

Home renovations can have a number of positive effects:

1. They can address environmental issues such as climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
2. They can lower a home’s operating costs and add value to a home
3. They can lead to healthier homes and better indoor air quality

Experts suggest working with professional renovators, if homeowners don’t have the time, know-how or interest to do the work themselves.

A green renovation project is characterized by three main factors: Increasing energy and water efficiency, ensuring clean indoor air and using resource-smart materials and products.

The most effective renovation jobs that can significantly increase energy and water efficiency include

• Replacing or upgrading a home’s heating system with high-efficiency equipment
• Installing new windows
• Upgrading light fixtures and bulbs to compact fluorescent, halogen and LED lights
• Getting more energy efficient water-heating equipment when the time comes
• Replacing old appliances with energy efficient models

A home energy assessment from an independent certified evaluator may help homeowners decide which projects need to be tackled first.

In some areas, homeowners can also apply for certain grants or financial incentives for energy-wise upgrades.

Keep indoor air quality in mind

When making homes more energy efficient and airtight, it is important to consider the indoor air quality, which can be affected by mold, chemicals and other pollutants, experts warn.

Homes are a system, and changing one part of it can have an impact on other parts.

After certain renovations, homes may need additional ventilation.

Using non-toxic and low-VOC products can also help prevent pollutants from building up inside.

Source: Regina Leader-Post

Air purifiers to improve indoor air quality

AllerAir's 5000 series and
6000 series contain powerful
room air purifiers.

Even with the best intentions, indoor air pollution is a common concern in homes and buildings and can affect people’s health and well-being.

A room air purifier  with activated carbon and HEPA can help provide cleaner and healthier air on a 24/7 basis.

AllerAir offers powerful general purpose air purifiers for the home and office as well as the most efficient specialized units for IAQ concerns such as mold, allergies and asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), tobacco smoke and more.

Have you renovated your home recently and noticed a difference in your air quality? We’d love to hear your story.

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

Contact AllerAir for more information about its products and IAQ solutions.
 

Household chemicals: Protect your child with these 5 swaps

Children are more susceptible to chemical
exposure than adults, experts warn.

In the first few years of their lives, children grow like weeds, and their developing systems make them especially vulnerable to environmental pollutants.

Common chemicals and toxins in the home may affect them more because they tend to play closer to the floor, put more things into their mouths and inhale more air than adults in proportion to their body weight.

Parents can limit their children’s exposure to potentially harmful pollutants by making a few changes:

1. Swap “antibacterial” products for soap and water. Antibacterial hand soaps, gels and body washes contain the chemical triclosan, which can interfere with thyroid function and contribute to the resistance to antibiotics. Soap and water are more than enough to get things clean, according to health authorities like the EPA and Health Canada.
     
2. Choose organic cotton over flame-retardant materials. Flame retardant chemicals found in children’s clothing and mattresses have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including delayed brain development, reproductive problems and cancer. Organic cotton clothing is a much better choice and if you can afford it, so is a child’s mattress made from organic cotton or natural latex.  Or, let the mattress off-gas as much as possible and cover it with organic cotton protectors and sheets.
     
3. Use natural products instead of pesticides. Pesticides generally use harsh chemicals to manage household pests, but these can be harmful to children – the EPA says most pesticides can block absorption of nutrients and cause biological changes. Studies have linked pesticide exposure with childhood leukemia and birth defects. Natural products that work against pests such as ants and roaches are vinegar sprayed around doors, windows and countertops, borax and sugar to kill roaches, and diatomaceous earth (careful, some of these natural products can also be hazardous if ingested).
     
4. Ditch the air fresheners for actual clean air. Air freshening products contribute to indoor air pollution with hormone disrupting phthalates and VOCs, including formaldehyde (a known carcinogen). Open windows to increase ventilation and let some fresh air in. Use an air purifier with activated carbon (for chemicals and odors) and HEPA (for particles and dust) and opt for soy-based candles over petroleum-based ones.
      
5. Swap chemical cleaning products with natural alternatives. Most commercially available cleaning products from the store contain harsh chemicals that can cause or aggravate respiratory problems. Natural cleaning agents include vinegar, baking soda and plain old soap and warm water. The vinegar has antibacterial properties and can be used on almost any surface in the home. The smell disappears after a few minutes. And baking soda makes a great natural scrubbing paste.

Source: The Kansas City Star

Cleaner air for a healthier home

AllerAir's air purifiers come in
different sizes and styles.

Sometimes, it’s not so easy to keep indoor air at its cleanest – homeowners may want to keep windows and doors closed to keep cooled or heated air inside and conserve energy. But indoor air pollution can be harmful to children as well as other family members.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

The proven and safe air filtration system includes a deep-bed activated carbon filter for airborne chemicals, gases and odors as well as HEPA for particles and dust and optional UV germicidal filtration for biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

With special units for allergies and asthma, mold, multiple chemical sensitivities, smoke and even volcanic smog, AllerAir’s extensive product line promises the right air purifier for virtually any indoor air concern.

Contact AllerAir for more information or a personalized recommendation.

Dog house dust linked to lower risk of asthma

Homes with dogs may protect children from
developing childhood asthma.

Dogs are often called man’s best friend – but they may also protect children from developing asthma.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, showed that house dust from homes with dogs appears to protect against infection with a common respiratory virus that has been linked to the development of asthma in children.

For the study, the scientists fed mice with house dust from homes with dogs, which made them less vulnerable to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common childhood airway infectious agent.

They compared this group with mice that were infected with RSV without exposure to the dust and a control group of mice not infected with RSV.

Many children develop mild to severe symptoms from RSV infection, but severe infection in infancy is associated with a higher risk of developing childhood asthma, the researchers say.

Pets in the home beneficial to health

However, exposure to the dog house dust gave the mice a distinct gastrointestinal bacterial composition that appears to protect them from the symptoms associated with RSV infection, including inflammation and mucus production.

The researchers showed in a previous study that house dust in homes with pets such as dogs or cats features different bacterial communities than house dust in homes with no pets.

This research was presented as part of the 2012 General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology this month.

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Air purifiers for the home and children’s rooms

While inhalation and ingestion of a little bit of house dust is unavoidable, too much house dust may be harmful. Studies show that house dust can contain pollutants such as chemicals and toxins that may be harmful to human health – especially to the developing bodies and immune systems of children.

Regular cleaning, use of non-toxic products and air cleaning can help reduce those risks.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature the most complete filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration.

For nurseries and baby’s rooms, the AirTube series provide reliable protection from airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust and biological contaminants.

For more information, contact AllerAir.

Soy-based eco-flooring the newest home décor trend

Non-toxic and hypoallergenic flooring choice can help improve indoor air quality

The right flooring and finishing
can mean cleaner, healthier air.

As more and more people become aware of the risks that environmental pollution and household toxins can mean to family members (especially children and seniors), the greater the popularity of “healthy home” choices.

The demand for low VOC paints, stains and materials is growing, as is the market for natural wood cabinets, furniture and flooring – since compressed wood furniture can release VOCs such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

One of the latest innovations in eco-flooring choices is a factory-finished floor using 100 percent pure soybean oil that will emit zero VOCs and is hypoallergenic. This particular type of flooring is offered by Mercier Wood Flooring and comes with a 35-year warranty, but many other companies are offering healthier flooring choices.

The soy-based flooring was deemed eco-friendly and healthy, and it picked up the “Children and Schools Certification” by the standards organization Greenguard.

The new product can be applied to all species, colors and finishes and make wood flooring even healthier.
A floor like that may be ideal for kids’ rooms, living rooms or playrooms, daycare settings and schools.

Other healthy flooring choices include natural cork, bamboo flooring and natural grass mats.

Filter out harmful VOCs and chemicals with air purifiers

The volatile organic compounds and chemicals in households, offices and children’s environments can come from a variety of sources, including other building materials, cleaning products, air freshening products, treated textiles and more.

Activated carbon can remove airborne
chemicals and VOCs.

With diligent source control and good ventilation, air quality can be improved, but a high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA will be even more efficient at removing those indoor air pollutants.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers come in a variety of colors and sizes and can help clean the air around the clock with low energy consumption.

A complete air filtration system with deep-bed activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV is key to removing airborne chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Simple steps to a healthier home and less indoor air pollution

A healthy home environment can keep health
problems at bay.

Taking care of your home inside and out is more than just about homeowner’s pride – it could mean the difference between a healthy and unhealthy living space.

A majority of people surveyed in 2009 by the National Center for Healthy Housing said they realized that the condition of their home was important to prevent serious health problems like asthma, allergies, lead poisoning, cancer and injuries.

Still, just how they can make sure that their home is properly maintained remains a mystery to many homeowners.

But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, it is not that difficult to take care of a home.

They have formulated seven principles for a healthy home:

1. Keep the home dry and free from mold

• Clean and repair gutters and downspouts to avoid water running towards the home’s foundation
• At regular intervals, check plumbing fixtures and appliances for leaks and fix as needed
• Repair water damage in walls and ceilings and replace affected materials to control mold
• Check floor drains

2. Keep the home clean

• Use mats inside and outside every door that leads outside
• Use non-toxic cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice
• Dust regularly with a wet cloth
• Clean the dryer vent, range hood screen, refrigerator drip pan and exhaust fans
• Make sure the furnace, hot water heater, oven and air conditioning coils are cleaned and tuned

3. Banish pests from the home

• Check for signs of rodents, bats, mice and cockroaches, which can cause asthma episodes and carry diseases
• Fill cracks and crevices with copper mesh, expanding foam, cement or caulk
• Be wary of pesticides; remove pests by enlisting the help of professionals practicing integrated pest management (IPM)

4. Create a safe home environment

• Use nightlights to help prevent falls
• Place non-slip pads under carpets
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home
• Set the water heater to 120 degrees
• Install grab bars near baths and showers
• Repair/replace damaged electrical cords and outlets

5. Improve indoor air quality

• Keep the home as contaminant-free as possible
• Ban smoking in the home
• Avoid particle board (and off-gassing VOCs) by installing wire shelving
• Test the home for radon
• Inspect the home for peeling paint, which could be a lead hazard

6. Improve ventilation

• Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and over the range to vent moisture and contaminants outside
• Open windows regularly, if possible

7. Keep the home well maintained

• Repair cracks and holes in the foundation promptly to avoid dampness and pests
• Replace furnace filters every 3-4 months
• Repair broken and cracked windows
• Make sure the roof is in good condition
• Pump out the septic tank every 3-5 years

Source: Helena Independent Record

Improve indoor air quality with air purifiers

Portable air purifiers can remove
a wide range of pollutants.

Many home building materials, furnishings and products contribute to indoor air pollution, which can affect the residents’ health and well-being.

The steps above will help improve IAQ, but many homeowners are turning to portable air purifiers to help keep their indoor air clean and healthy.

AllerAir’s air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filters can remove airborne chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs, particles, dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses and molds.

They are designed to work around the clock without using much energy (on the lowest setting) and they can easily be moved around the home according to need.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

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.

Create a healthy home with a few simple steps

A healthy home starts with healthy IAQ.

Health experts all across North America are warning about the high levels of indoor air pollution affecting the majority of residents – but with a  few small changes and good habits, you can significantly improve the  indoor air quality in your home.

Reduce airborne pollutants

• Choose low VOC paints and non-toxic renovation materials
• Use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and lemon juice
• Avoid commercial “air fresheners” and scented candles/products

Clean your indoor air

• Install a whole home air filtration system to remove allergens, particles and chemicals from the ambient air or opt for a portable room air purifier in the room(s) you spend most time in (like the bedroom). Keep in mind that these air purifiers need to be equipped with granular activated carbon filters and HEPA to remove the widest range of contaminants. AllerAir also offers UV germicidal filtration for enhanced protection from live contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.
• Opt for air purifying plants: Some houseplants such as ivy and gerbera daisies have been shown to remove VOCs from the air as well.

Prevent mold growth

• Avoid trapping a lot of moisture and humidity inside, which can lead to active mold growth. 
• Make sure you are venting bathrooms and clothes dryers and use an exhaust fan while cooking.
• Keep the indoor humidity levels at 50 percent or below and use a dehumidifier, if needed.

Set up IAQ-friendly routines

• Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries every time the clocks are reset
• Change your HVAC filters regularly
• Keep dust and pollen levels down by cleaning and wet mopping regularly

Source: Creston News Advisor

Interested in learning more about indoor air quality and air purification?
Visit: http://www.allerair.com/
Follow AllerAir on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Why do my clean clothes and closet smell stale and musty?

How can clean clothes hanging in a closet have a smell? The answer may surprise you – the problem is dirty air. Just imagine what would happen if you forgot to dust your bedside table for several weeks? It would quickly develop a coating of dust, microscopic bacteria and even mold spores. Clothes hanging in your closet are no different. In fact, fabric is an easy target for airborne particles, chemicals, and household odors.  

So what’s the solution?

Unlike dusting furniture, cleaning your entire closet of clothes every few days is just not practical. The use of sprays and air fresheners is also not recommended. These products tend to contain chemical scents that only mask the stale smell temporarily and have been shown to trigger allergic reactions, aggravate asthma and potentially cause long term health issues. Here are some safe and proven tips to help remove that stale closet smell:

• Increase air circulation and bring in more fresh air. Open the windows often or use a high quality air purifier with an odor controlling carbon filter like the AllerAir AirTube. This type of air cleaner removes 99.97% of airborne dust, hair, bacteria and other particles like mold spores. The carbon filter uses the same material found in military gas mask to remove odors and chemicals. Your entire room will smell fresher and so will your clothes. A great products for allergy suffers!

• Use a HEPA vacuum. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter actually traps dust as you clean. Old style vacuums will send dust right back into the air and onto your clothes.

• If it stinks, don’t put it in your closet.You’ve just worn your favorite dress out for dinner and its "dry clean only". Avoid the temptation to hang it back in your closet! It has likely absorbed food smells and perhaps even cigarette smoke. If you’re determined not to clean it, try hanging it in outside overnight or leave it closed up in your bathroom with the window open. This will help dissipate some of the odors. 

• Never hang damp clothes in your closet.You’ve done your laundry and you hang your damp top on the back of your closet door for tomorrow. You may feel like the pillar of efficiency, but that damp top is a magnet for mold and mildew. Make sure clothes are 100% dry before putting them away.

By taking these few simple steps you will not only help keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh, but you'll be improving the overall air quality in your home....clean air is your best accessory!

Air Purifier Reviews - AllerAir

We take the responsibility of providing clean air and air purifiers for the home  very seriously at AllerAir. So it's especially gratifying for the staff when we hear about all of the home-owners who love our units. These are a few of the air purifier reviews I found today:

"Research carefully and you will discover that AllerAir is and has been always at the top of best models. It is one this writer recommends for optimal health. Whatever you decide upon, your family needs clean air and this is something not to be ignored."

http://www.gogreenwitheverything.com/air-purifier-for-the-home.html

"This Air Purifier made a big difference. We had a paint-type chemical smell in our house from some toxic sealant used on our floors and other outgassing. It definitely reduced the smell and was easy to move around on the wheels."

http://www.amazon.com/AllerAir-VoCarb-Purifier-Model-5000/product-reviews/B000METOV0/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

"The allerair 5000 is a fantastic air purifier. Within 15 minutes of turning it on the entire house is essentially beautifully filtered clean air. No paint or other types of chemicals, dust, or allergens. I have conditional mcs and the filtration allows me a very much needed normal homelife. On the low setting the product is barely audible. It becomes quit loud though on the two higher settings."

http://www.amazon.com/AllerAir-VoCarb-Purifier-Model-5000/product-reviews/B000METOV0/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Editor's note: Yes the higher speeds are louder; however we recommend that the two higher settings are used for a quick room clean-out only. Air purifiers with deep-bed activated carbon filters actually work better on the lowest setting because the air "dwells" longer in the carbon filter, allowing more chemicals, gases and odors to be trapped. Our units are actually designed to be used 24/7 on low and only use about as much energy as a 40 watt light bulb!

Thanks for the great reviews!
Stephanie